2A-5 cross country: Berkeley's Greathouse, Rosenbach help wrap up boys title

TAMPA — Al Lopez Park is typically known as a relatively flat cross-country course mostly shaded by thick trees. The runners participating in the Class 2A, District 5 meet Friday were eager to compete at the site because of the friendly terrain.

Berkeley Prep senior Tyler Greathouse was the frontrunner in the boys race, posting a sub-16 time of 15:58.62. He was followed almost immediately by his teammate, junior Michael Rosenbach (16:01.76). Greathouse's supporters and teammates mobbed him in celebration after his score was announced.

"He's been motivated to break 16 for quite some time now," said Berkeley coach Eileen Daily. "Going to state is still our main goal, however."

"We worked together the whole race, and I knew that if I could win this one it would be a huge lift for our team," Greathouse added.

Berkeley Prep also captured the boys team title (39 points) ahead of Robinson (53).

Sophomore Staci Sokolski of Lakeland McKeel won the girls race in 20:16.26, with Berkeley senior Angelica Price close behind in 20:21.96.

"I hope I can pull off another stunt like this at regionals," joked Sokolski, who was competing in just her second varsity race. "I don't know where I got any of that energy from on the final lap. I just sped up and caught up to them."

Academy of the Holy Names (33 points), who had five top-15 runners, took the girls title.