ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: VACLAV “VANCE” BURSA

VACLAV “VANCE” BURSA
Sophomore, Cross Country
Marathon High School

Sophomore Vance Bursa has been getting consistently faster each week, something difficult to do when you’re already one of the fastest high school runners in South Florida. 

“Vance keeps running stronger each week,” said coach Jim Murphy. “He has won three of his four races this season.” Bursa makes running look effortless and fun, and his positive outlook coupled with a rock-solid work ethic motivates his team to be better. On Sept. 21, Bursa ran a 16:46, well over a minute faster than his closest competitor. The blazing time puts him on track to carry the Dolphins into the postseason for another trip to the state meet in Tallahassee. He is a phenomenal runner, a natural leader, and those around him are affected by his infectious laugh and positive attitude. For these reasons, Vance Bursa is the Keys Weekly Athlete of the Week.

“It’s great to see him take a leadership role and push his team to keep improving with him.”

– HEAD COACH JIM MURPHY

Tracy McDonald fled to the Keys from the frozen mountains of Pennsylvania hours after graduating from college and never looked back. She is a second generation coach and educator, and has taught in the public school system for over 25 years. She and her husband met at a beginning teacher meeting in 1997 and have three children born and raised in Monroe County. In her free time, McDonald loves flea markets, historical fiction and long runs in the heat.