In Her Own Words: Emma Rudman - Hot Running in the Florida Panhandle

Hey flrunners! Hope everyone is happy with the way their season has kicked off. Based on the times already run, it looks like it’s going to be a great season! For our first meet, our team went to a smaller meet in Panama City, the Dolphin Dash. As I’m sure most of the Florida meets have been, ours was miserably hot. It was a pretty low-key race to kick off the season. Last week was an off week for the FWB Vikings. This weekend we’re heading to Northport for the big meet there.

The Florida Panhandle has a reputation for producing some top runners and area teams who are already proving themselves. The girls’ team at Choctawhatchee High School has three sets of twins, which must make it a really fun family environment. They’re also fast, led by Shawna and Shelby Lindsay, who started their season in the 19s. All the twins there (and the rest of team) are running great!

Niceville, our competitor to the east, is also off to a strong start, led by a core group of strong girls, who keep trading places. Nicole Escoffier, Hannah Schneidewind, Claire Crist and Mackenzie Shinnick all have had strong starts to the season.

Crestview’s Allison Ammons continues to be a top runner. I’m looking forward to seeing what’s she’s going to do with her season!

Before I’m done with the girls, want to make sure I mention Maddie Fulmer of South Walton who came in second at the Dolphin Dash and ran a tough race, finishing less than a second ahead of her nearest competitor.

I don’t want slight the Panhandle boys, but the ones I’m most familiar with are the Vikings. They are a tight-knit group and looking to make some noise this season, despite graduating four of our varsity seniors.

One thing I really love about local teams is the camaraderie we share, despite competing against each other on the course. Happy running and go Panhandle!

More Coverage