All The Miles Mattered

Out There With My Brothers

Chris Palmer, a 1984 Largo graduate, was part of three cross country state titles for the Packers in the early 1980s. This episode features Palmer's talk at the start of the Sept. 15 reunion of Largo runners, which came one night after the track at Largo was named for Coach Brent Haley.  Special thanks to Largo's Mike Fowler for the audio.
Music: Is This Really Happening (Track Tribe)

Chasing 15: A closer look at 1983 Largo

This episode of All The Miles Mattered, the third of Season 2 and the 22nd if you count the trailer, has a lot of familiar voices in the story of Largo, Leto and the challengers to those programs’ dominance in cross country. It also has a new one, from a challenger the dominant 1983 Largo team never saw. It’s a voice from 2,000 miles away, a coach who expected maximum effort from his runners.The episode also takes a deeper look at just how good the Packers were, how that famous five-across photo came about, and how the returning Largo runners dealt with a new teammate.Come along for the run!Music: Mini Vandals (Out On My Skateboard, Inconsciousness), Bob Bedell (acoustic version of Video Killed The Radio Star)

Belen’s book not yet finished

Belen Jesuit in Miami has won more FHSAA boys cross country state championships than any program. This weekend, Belen goes for the 15th title in program history. Coach Frankie Ruiz's team has its sights on other championships, as it will run at least one other race after the 3A state meet on Friday, Nov. 17 in Tallahassee. In this episode of All The Miles Mattered, Ruiz talks history, his call to Coach Brent Haley in 2019, his runners' quest for 15, and more.
 
Music: Mini Vandals, Out On My Skateboard

November 1980: The Letter

In early 1979, Mark Altimari didn't know much about Largo cross country. His family had moved recently from suburban Philadelphia to Tampa, and he was a confessed "wrestling dummy" at his new school, Leto High. Then, he met Leto coach Bobby Ennis, "the first adult to truly believe in me," Altimari said. He soon learned more about the rival Packers and more about cross country, and then more about the work it would take to take down Largo. The events of fall 1980 on cross country courses in Pinellas and Hillsborough counties didn't end Altimari's interaction with Largo. Instead, a letter created a lifelong bond. This episode of All The Miles Mattered goes in-depth on the mail sent to Altimari after the state meet in 1980, which in 4A boys competition was decided by 3 points.
 

Boston Marathon 2024 Special

The Boston Marathon is a big deal. It's this weekend. And we found Leto and Largo runners who competed in the prestigious spring race (they aren't the only ones). So, the alternate title could be ATMM Goes to Boston. Hear the words (occasionally of the four-letter variety) from John Brennan (Largo Class of 84) and Matt Heiser (Leto Class of 85). Thanks for coming along for the run!Music credits: "Out on my Skateboard", Mini Vandals; "Is This Really Happening," TrackTribe