Two of Florida's fastest distance runners have made their college announcements this week. First, was Newsome senior Bailey Hertenstein who pledged to Indiana and now it is Winter Park's Rafaella Gibbons who has committed to NC State.
Gibbons is the 2014 4A Cross Country Finals champion and a two-time NXN qualifier where she has placed 41st and 20th respectively in 2015 and 2016. According to Coach Kristin McWilliams, the senior took official visits to Missouri, Northern Arizona, Furman, and following this weekend's race at Great American in Cary, North Carolina made a pit stop in Raleigh to check out the Wolfpack.
"NC State is getting an athlete of the highest integrity, work ethic and drive and she will contribute immediately to one of the best programs in the nation," McWilliams said.
Gibbons has been an integral part of Winter Park's success over the past four years. In her first three years, she has led the Wildcats to two 4A Cross Country Finals championships and a runner-up finish, and will be an integral part in the team's quest for a title in 2017. On the track, she's helped the team achieve their highest finish in state history multiple times and anchored the 4x800m relay to three consecutive state championships.
"Rafaella or "Ralphie" as I call her, has made a significant impact on the WInter Park Track and Cross Country program," McWilliams noted. "At Winter Park High School we have a saying, "Once a Wildcat Always a Wildcat." These words will hold true for Rafaella. She will have a long and successful college and post collegiate career."
By The Numbers (Personal Records)
- 800m - 2:16.96
- 1500m - 4:46.93
- 1600m - 4:55.85
- 1 Mile - 5:02.94
- 3000m (xc) - 10:35.00
- 3000m - 10:10.50
- 3200m - 10:27.00
- 5K (xc) - 17:30.80
