Cross Wins Gulfstream Mile Run

The nation's fastest high school runner in the 800 meters won the boy's division of the annual Gulfstream Mile Run, which was held on February 15, 2003.

Paul Cross from South Plantation high crossed the finished line with a time of 4:47.93. Paul is the most decorated high school runner in South Florida, and has won back-to-back state titles in the 800 meters as well as appearing on two Junior Olympic teams.

One crown that was missing for Paul was the Gulfstream Mile Run trophy. Last year, Paul finished a disappointing sixth in the competition. He has now added the Gulfstream Mile to his long list of achievements.

Cross was joined by three teammates in the Gulfstream Mile finals – twins Brandon and Gary Calabro and Matt Iannatto. Other top Broward finishers were John Austin from Boyd Anderson High, Theodore Wright from Piper High and Javier Garcia from Coral Springs.

In the girl's final, Cooper City Sophomore Jacy Kruzel, who ran the fastest qualifying time at 5:32.00, finished second in the race. Jacy is the BCAA Cross Country Athlete of the Year for 2002. Joining Jacy in the finals was Christine Jones and Kim Munksgaard from Coral Springs High, Natasha Torres from J.P. Taravella High and Lauren Moxey from Saint Thomas Aquinas High.

Douglas Donn, Gulfstream Park Chairman, created the Gulfstream Mile run six years ago. Mr. Donn, a former track and field athlete at South Broward High, wanted to create an event that would benefit the community while showcasing the athletic talent of local students. The Gulfstream Mile Run Championship, held in conjunction with Gulfstream's aptly named Fountain of Youth Stakes for aspiring young racehorses, seemed a natural fit. The run assembles the fastest high school milers from Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.

The Gulfstream Mile Run was sponsored by the Florida Lottery, Papa Johns Pizza and Whole Foods Market. Sponsorship dollars assist the school systems in funding athletic scholarships and athletic program costs.