The Leon boys cross country team finished sixth in 2012 and look to crack the top five in 2013. The Lions return five of their top seven from last year. It is a group that includes mostly juniors, headlined by Sukhi Khoshla. Khosla placed 13th at the Cross Country Finals and put up incredible numbers on the track.
The youngster went 4:24.43 for 1600 meters and 9:16.73 for 3200 meters; both of which rank him among the top sophomores in the country. Juniors Will Luca (42nd at the Cross Country Finals) and Maxx Marshall, sophomore, Adam Wallenfelz, and senior Jarod Hoffman round out the top five. Incomign freshman Matthew Cashin, the Leon County Middle School Cross Country Championship could also contribute throughout the season.
After a string of state championships from 2007-2009 with the likes of Matt Mizereck and Will Stanford, the Lions fell out of the limelight. They have been training this summer in the north Georgia mountains at their team camp, just as they have the past nine seasons. Khosla is a contender for an individual title, but will have his hands full with the Niceville duo of Thomas Howell and Nick Morken to name a few. Belen is the team to beat not just in 3A, but will again be one of the best in the southeast region. Leon looks to be a top five team, predicted to finish fourth, behind Belen, Chiles, and Fort Walton Beach.
Coach Wills Says...
"We returned everyone from last year that didn't graduate. A couple of key members are nursing some minor nagging injuries, but they should be fine at the end of the season.The team goals are the same as always. We want to advance to the state meet and finish in the highest position we are capable of."
Top Returner's Times (Previous Season)
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Boys 5,000 Meter Run (XC) |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 15:42.30 | Khosla, Sukhi | Panhandle Championship |
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| 15:53.80 | Henderson, Will | Panhandle Championship |
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| 16:15.50 | Buchholz, Zac | Panhandle Championship |
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| 16:29.20 | Luca, Wil | FHSAA Cross Country State Finals |
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| 16:44.79 | Wallenfelsz, Adam | FHSAA 3A Region 1 |
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| 17:01.79 | Hoffman, Jarod | FHSAA 3A Region 1 |
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| 17:02.33 | Marshall, Maxx | FHSAA Cross Country State Finals |
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Boys 3,200 Meter Run |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 9:16.73 | Khosla, Sukhi | Bolles Bulldog Classic |
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| 9:46.81 | Luca, Wil | FSU Relays |
|
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Boys 1,600 Meter Run |
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|---|---|---|---|
| 4:24.23 | Khosla, Sukhi | Jimmy Everett Invitational (formerly the Lincoln Home Meet) |
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| 4:32.71 | Wallenfelsz, Adam | Chiles Capital City Track & Field Classic - 14th Annual |
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| 4:36.79 | Luca, Wil | FSU Relays |
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| 4:47.25 | Hoffman, Jarod | FHSAA 3A District 2 |
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| 4:55.45 | Buchholz, Kyle | FHSAA 3A District 2 |
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