1A Region 1 (On-Site Coverage By Chris Tucker)
(Photo by Jeremy Danzie)
Defending regional champion Maya Espinosa of Baker returns as an 8th grader to take on tough field at Alligator Park in Lake City.. Yes, we foresee many titles in the youngster's future. Espinosa went onto finish 5th at the 1A Cross Country Finals in 2014. This year, she has finished first in three of her five meets and was 27th in a very competitive FSU Invitational/Pre-State in a season best 18:58.30. 1A District 3 champion Caroline Willis of Maclay was the regional runner-up last year and will pose the biggest challenge to the Baker standout. 1A-1 runner-up Kaytlyn Buschman of Pensacola Christian Academy was third at the regional and will also be in the mix. Other names to watch include Audrey Woods of Providence School, as well as Marauders Molly McCann, Lindsay James, and Katie Whitworth who looks to continue her incredible story.
The Maclay girls are the favorites to win back to back team titles and 9th in school history. Providence School is deep as well and should place four in the top 25 for a runner-up finish. The remaining four spots will be between Bishop Snyder, St. Johns Country Day, Aucilla Christian Academy, and St. Joseph's Academy.
On the boy's side, Maclay didn't run their "A" team at districts, but don't worry Coach Droze and company will be rearing to go for their sixth straight championship and 13th in school history. Clay Milford was second last year as an 8th grader and will have teammates, Jake Mazziotta, James McClure, and George Gwynn up there with him in the front to give the Marauders a strong presence. Bishop Snyder's Jackson Neri and Trinity Christian Academy's Ryan Scott went 1-2 at 1A District 4 and were separated by one second. These two want nothing more than to break up the group of navy and white.
Maclay, Bishop Snyder, and Trinity Catholic are your top three teams with Pensacola Christian, Providence School, and Cottondale eyeing the final three tickets to state.
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)