Bring out the history books! There is a strong chance we could see a few state records go down this year at the 2018 FHSAA state final.
We scoured the FHSAA record books to dig up some possibilities. There is no telling what could happen on race day, but as we all know, the beauty about cross country is the understanding that anything can happen -- especially greatness.
Here are three records that are within reach for this year's talented Floridians.
1986 - Palmer Trinity's 21 Point Record
In 1986, Coach Mike Becker's Palmer Trinity squad, absolutely dominated class 1A in an upset win against Westminster Academy.
The team scored a total of 21 points to win the team state title. The Lecanto boys, coached by Tim Byrne, were the last team to get close to this record, winning the 4A state meet with 29 points in 1994.
We have seen many teams since the '80s get into the 30 point range, but none have dipped below that.
The Bolles boys team has swept both of their district and regional meets. They now have their top five at or sub 16 minutes for the 5k with ideal race conditions.
Currently, the bulldogs sit as the favorite for the 2A state title with a predicted 27 points, with Satellite posing as a threat for Bolles to capture the state record of 21 points.
It may be a long shot, but we know enough to not count out the possibility of this record going down. The Bolles squad could, quite literally, "bring back the 80s."
Read: Twenty One: 1986 Palmer Trinity Boys Cross Country Champions
2003 - Jenny Barringer's 16:55 Record
In 2003, Jenny Barringer raced on the Ed Radice sports complex to a 16:55 to win the 4A state championship for Oviedo.
Since 2003, the FHSAA state finals has found a few different homes, and it resides on the Apalachee Regional Park course. While the ARP course is arguably more difficult compared to Ed Radice when it comes to fast racing, we could see this record go down.
Many girls have been consistently under the 18 minute barrier this year, racing on multiple courses and proving their strength against high competition.
Holy Trinity 8th grader, Carly McNatt, is one of those consistent competitors. McNatt has a new PR of 17:13, but more impressive than that is her ability to run in hot, humid conditions, on hilly courses, all by herself. This past week she ran 17:23 on the Holloway Park course, before the cold front had kicked in.
With ideal weather on Saturday, there is no doubt that McNatt and other fierce competitors like Tsion Yared, Parker Valby, Alyssa Hendrix, and Rebecca Clark could compete for not only a state title, but a state record.
Bailey Hertenstein has the ARP course record in a time of 17:26.61. Hendrix follows for second to Hertenstein with her 17:30.82 from last year's state final.
2010 - Jimmy Clark's 14:58 Record
In 2010, Creekside senior and future Gator, Jimmy Clark raced on the Little Everglades course to a 14:58 win for class 3A.
Since that day, the only one to come close to Clark's sub 15 state finish was Leon alumnus, Sukhi Khosla, on the ARP course in 15:01.80 in 2014.
Bolles senior, Charles Hicks, ran a 14:53 this past weekend to win the 2A Region 1 title. This goal is one that is within reach for the Stanford commit.
Florida has also seen Ben Hartvigsen dip into the low 15s this season at Great American. With ideal race conditions come Saturday, we could predict a few sub 15 minute state finishes.
This state has some of the most talented group of athletes it has seen in many years. We could witness cross country history happen on Saturday.
Keep your eyes locked on FLRunners for all FHSAA state meet updates, record breaking performances, and more!