Hit or Miss: Jen Blanco

Four years ago, I met 5-year-old Abby Hite. 

She had just completed, and won, her first triathlon. 

I don’t know about you; but when I was in kindergarten, the thought of competing in a triathlon never crossed my mind. 

Swimming, biking and running were all activities I enjoyed, but not on a competitive level. 

Swimming was something you did for fun in the summer. Running consisted of tag and kickball. A bike was a mode of transportation to get from one friend’s house to the next. 

Athletics for kindergartners consisted of T-ball or youth soccer. 

Over time, I’ve come to realize anything is possible, and that includes being an elementary triathlete. 

Abby, now 9 years old and a fourth-grader at Braden River Elementary, has continued to keep up with her triathlons and already has competed in three this year, along with a duathlon, an open water swim and four 5K runs. 

Last month, Abby won her third triathlon of the year, the St. Anthony’s Meek & Mighty Triathlon. On May 21, she won the 6-10 age division at the Youth Splash & Dash Duathlon at Madeira Beach. She also finished third in the half-mile open water swim. 

“The more triathlons I do, the stronger and more confident I get,” Abby said. “I knew I would have to do very well to win (the St. Anthony's race). I tried my best and I won. After the race, I hugged all of my friends because I know they tried very hard too.” 

Abby, who swims for the Lakewood Ranch Lightning and runs with the Florida Express track team, trains six days a week and is now preparing for the USA Triathlon Youth & Junior National Championships in July. 

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While the Lakewood Ranch High football team was busy ushering in a new crop of playmakers for its spring game at Booker May 27, five seniors announced they will continue their football careers in college. 

J.T. Fischer (Weber International), Roberto Valls (North Carolina Wesleyan College), Kyle Mathis (North Park University), J.J. Williams (Wilmington College) and Gabe Overmyer (Stetson University) all signed to play football May 20. 

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Manatee Cal Ripken Baseball at Heritage Harbour crowned a trio of champions May 14. The Pirates defeated the Cubs 7-4 to win the Minors division. Championship players were Gustavo Hernandez-Acevedo, Nick Trier, Santiago Barrales, Matthew Novarro, Logan Rosenberg, Wes Geiger, Zane Cash, Aidan Jensen, Gio DiLisi, Cody Rivard and Dylan Elder. 

The Nationals (Majors division) and Marlins (Rookie division) also won their respective championship games.