Spanish River's Preston Sangely eyes four state titles, local history

Spanish River senior Preston Sangely had grown nearly four inches in height since last school year, rising to 6-foot-1. But Sangely has grown a lot more in other areas – maturity and dedication as a runner and who now possesses Olympian aspirations. First up is the state championship meet in Jacksonville on Saturday, April 5 where Sangely goes for four 4A state titles: 800 meters, 1600 meters, 3200 meters and running the crucial leg in the 4x800 relay.

If Sangely completes a quadruple state championship, he will undoubtedly go down as the greatest Palm Beach County track runner of all time. Sangely may already be there. “My goal," Sangely said, “is to win all four events.

" Sangely, who has become leaner with almost no body fat, measures his words carefully. Perhaps it’s because French is his first language, though he is fluent in English. He moved from France at age 6.

Or perhaps because Sangely doesn’t want to reveal the secret to his success and lose any edge. From the fall: Spanish River's Preston Sangely wins Florida XC state title When asked his thought process going into states, Sangely said, “When are you going to print this? I don’t want anyone to see the article and see what my plan is.