Sat. October 15, 2011 by Joey Knight

DADE CITY -- Before arriving at the starting line Saturday morning, right about the time the sun peeked over the east Pasco horizon, Gulf sophomore Kari Grippo discreetly regurgitated her pre-race fuel of oatmeal and a banana.

"I don't know if it was nerves or if I had stomach cramps," Grippo said.

The lost breakfast didn't equate to lost momentum. On a breathtaking morning by any runner's standards, Grippo made arguably the most resounding statement of her breakthrough season.