Plant's Kissel bound for UT

Plant distance-running star Danielle Kissel, who placed third for the title-winning Panthers at last fall's Class 4A state cross country meet, has committed to the University of Tampa, her mother announced.

A Panthers co-captain and honor student (5.80 weighted GPA) with 142 community-service hours, Kissel was a three-year runner for Coach Roy Harrison, shaving more than two minutes off her time during her career. She placed 12th at the 4A state meet as a junior (19:01.42) before her medal-winning effort in the same race this past November (18:41.66).

Plant won the state title both seasons.

The daughter of an Army colonel, Kissel's sparkling senior year -- which commenced with an ankle injury in the season opener -- also included a district title, region runner-up finish and third-place effort at the county championships.

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