Thunder hurdler races toward title

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Brian Ragone is nothing short of a perfectionist.

Whether it’s in the classroom or on the athletic field, The Out-of-Door Academy senior isn’t completely satisfied unless he’s giving his all 110% of the time.

It’s that drive to be perfect that pushes Ragone every time he steps onto the track. And it’s his desire to be best that has propelled the 300-meter hurdler to a perfect start to the season.

“You have to be so mechanically and technically (sound),” Ragone said. “You have to be perfect, and I’m kind of a perfectionist, so it works to my advantage. It’s not so much about speed as it is about having good form.”

Ragone won his first race of the season at the Cardinal Mooney Meet Feb. 25, and hasn’t looked back since.He’s a perfect 5-0 in his signature event this season, sparking a drive to keep his undefeated streak alive.

“I won at Cardinal Mooney, and then after I won the Ram Invitational — that’s when I thought about going undefeated,” Ragone said. “I haven’t run my best race yet.”

Ragone, who also runs the 110 hurdles, the 1,600 relay and occasionally the 400 and 3,200 relays, started running track in seventh grade, but it wasn’t until his sophomore year that Ragone decided to try hurdles.
Coming off a disappointing freshman campaign, Ragone, who was tired of running the mile and two mile, wanted to try something new. Having always harbored an interest in hurdles, Ragone decided to give the event a try.

“I’ve always had this weird interest in them,” Ragone said. “The first time I tried it, I did pretty well. The toughest part is not psyching yourself out. It’s not hard to get over them. You just have to jump high enough that you don’t clip them. You just have to keep your focus during a race.”

After finishing fourth at the Class 1A State Finals last season, Ragone hopes to once again reach the state meet. And although Ragone’s goal is to win an individual state title, he admits he would be content finishing in the top two.

“Obviously, I want to win it, but a reasonable goal would be to be the state runner-up or champion,” Ragone said. “I want the title. After third, you don’t get the title, but I’ll take second.”

Ragone has two meets remaining, including the Sarasota County Championships, before the district meet April 13.

Although there is only a month left of his senior season, Ragone’s track career is far from over. Next year, Ragone, who was recruited to play wide receiver for Amherst College in Massachusetts, also will run the 400 hurdles for the Lord Jeffs.

“It’ll add another 100 meters — that’s all I need,” Ragone said. “It’ll be different competing against 22- and 23-year-olds, but I’ll get there, someday. They’ve got a really improved track team.

“I’m excited for the competition,” Ragone said. “I could be pushed a little more.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].