This weekend, many high school runners from the big bend competed in some of the first races of cross country season.  Chiles traveled to Gainesville for the UF Mountain Dew Invitational and posted some pretty spectacular times, especially for it being so early in the season.  On the girls’ side, they were led by freshman Carly Thomas who finished third in a time of 18:49.  Next came freshman Lilly Williams, finishing fourth in 19:22.  Senior Kaia Hampton also finished in the top ten (ninth), with a time of 19:44.  With a team average of 19:47, the Chiles girls took first at this prestigious meet.  The Chiles boys were led by senior Daniel Ross, who finished in a time of 17:37.  With a team average of 17:55, they claimed the number six spot.

On a local note, most of the area teams competed in the Lincoln Invite, which was also held on Saturday.  Leon showed off their depth, winning both the boys’ and girls’ races.  On the girls’ side for Leon it was Claire Stodghill, Allision Clarke, Brooke Eubanks Lancey Langston and Katie Payne who finished second (20:01.97), fifthe (21:40.07), sixth (21:53.30), ninth (22:28.84) and tenth (22:34.40) to capture the win.  The Maclay girls, backed up by overall winner Jana Stolting (19:22.53) and third (Shelby Salimone, 20:17.43) and fourth place (Kristen Sweeney, 21:01.84) finishes, took second.  On the boys’ side, Leon posted an almost perfect score of 18, their top five finishers interrupted only by North Florida Christian’s Whitney Strickland, who finished in a time of 16:43.  The Lions were led by sophomore Will Stanford, who finished in an outstanding time of 15:28!  Close behind, with a second place finish and a time of 15:46, was junior Matt Mizereck.  The Lincoln boys took second.

Before the lovely madness of this weekend’s races even started, the Maclay boys were warming up for the Katie Caples Invitational, which took place at Bishop Kenny High School on Friday night.  Sophomore Patrick Swain led the charge with a seventh place finish and a time of 16:34.  Next came Austin Stevens in a time of 17:22.  Overall, the Maclay boys took the sixth spot, a respectable finish in a very competitive meet.

All in all, it was a great weekend at the races, and I know I am not alone in my excitement for next weekend’s FSU Invitational!  If you can, try to make time to come out and see one of the most competitive high school and college meets of the season.  Without a doubt, it will be fast, fun, and most of all, fierce.

Editor’s Note, Jana runs for Maclay High School and has graciously agreed to help keep us in touch with the cross country