Regional week! We take a look at each class region by regional with our virtual meets and meet previews. Although, 1A is the smallest classification in Florida, that doesn't mean it lacks talent! Holy Trinity is the winningest program in the state and looks to continue that tradition in the postseason! Where do you and your team stack up against the competition? Find out.
1A Region 1 (On-Site Coverage By Jeremy Danzie)
On the boy's side the top seven runners from last year, have graduated. Micah Kemp of Jay High School is the top returner after finishing 8th last year. He has gone under 17 minutes several times this season. The Maclay boys have had an easy time of the region the past several years. In 2013, they beat out NFC for the title, and are the clear favorites to win in 2014 and give the Marauders the sweep.
Girls Virtual Meet (Based On District Results)
Boys Virtual Meet (Based On District Results)
Girls Virtual Meet (Based On Season Bests)
Boys Virtual Meet Based On Seasons Bests)
1A Region 2 (On-Site Coverage By David Armstrong, Donald Lamb)
Mount Dora Bible School 8th grader Rebecca Clark has had a fantastic season. Clark who was 28th at the 1A Cross Country Finals last year has won five meets this year, was 18th in the flrunners.com Race of Champions and 18th at Pre-State. Her toughest competition will come from the Oak Hall duo of Grace Blair and Lindsey Rosenberg. Coach McTureous was still figuring out his core five at the flrunners.com Invitational, but look for them to rack up another regional title, and like every year be a threat for a podium spot in Tallahassee.
Outside of Holy Trinity the best 1-2 punch in 1A might Geneva's Nicholas Gonzalez and Isac Davis. Both have top ten at state potential and will guide their school to a regional title. Franco Martins of Windermere Prep is the defending state champion in cross country and at 1,600 and 3,200m. He has been running great as of late and is back to full speed. Last year, this is the time he really peaked and made a name for himself. Look for the recent Brown University committment to pick up steam and make a run at his second consecutive crown.
Girls Virtual Meet (Based On District Results)
Boys Virtual Meet (Based On District Results)
Girls Virtual Meet (Based On Season Bests)
Boys Virtual Meet Based On Seasons Bests)
1A Region 3
The Holy Trinity girls are good. Real good. So good that they will place their starting five in the top ten in the regional championship. Led by junior Shelby Smith (pictured above) the Tigers look like a sure fire bet for an 8th girls cross country state championship. The individual battle will come down to Smith, Sarah Candiano, and Emily Chapman of Brevard HEAT. Chapman won the district race last week and is finding her rhythm with a very impressive 18:37.88. She was 6th at last year's Cross Country Finals and is looking to improve on that finish. Candiano was 2nd in 2012 at the 1A Cross Country Finals and 7th in 2013. She has top three finishes at the flrunners.com Invitational and Pre-State and is also coming off a district championship. If Candiano is on her "A" game she should give Smith and Chapman a run for their money. This is arguably the best 1A girls match up in any regional. Lindsey Tomaini of Community School of Naples should reel in a top five finish and help her team to a runner-up trophy.
Much like the girl's the HT boys are loaded and are the favorites to win regionals and their 8th state title next weekend. Andrew Cacciatore who was the 1A runner-up last year, was the regional champ with teammate Trevor Kattenberg finishing right behing him. Look for those two to go 1-2 again. Cal Davidson-Turner of Cardinal Mooney is the other runner who could mix it up with the duo. Davidson-Turner is coming off a 1A District 10 championship and has a season best of 15:55.42 from Pre-State. Battling for the runner-up team trophy will be Shorecrest Prep and Melbourne Central Catholic.
Girls Virtual Meet (Based On District Results)
Boys Virtual Meet (Based On District Results)
Girls Virtual Meet (Based On Season Bests)
Boys Virtual Meet (Based On Seasons Bests)
1A Region 4
Victoria Hoppe and Natasha Strump give Westminster Christian School a formidable 1-2 punch. Hoppe was the individual champion last year and should repeat while Strump was sixth in 2013. WCS is the clear favorite to repeat. Kings Academy and Benjamin School will vye for the runner-up spot.
On the boy's side 2013 runner-up Casey McCracken of Westminster Academy is the top returner. McCracken recently won the 1A District 15 Championship. The team title is up for grabs as Miami Country Day, Westminster Academy, John Carroll, and Westminster Christian School are all within striking distance of one another.
Girls Virtual Meet (Based On District Results)
Boys Virtual Meet (Based On District Results)
Girls Virtual Meet (Based On Season Bests)
Boys Virtual Meet (Based On Seasons Bests)