(Photo by Andy Warrener)
The 2015 Cross Country Finals was one of the best ever at the ARP. On the individual side we saw eight runners who won their first ever state titles in the sport.
Of those eight, Riverview sophomore Bailey Hertenstein was the only one who wasn't a senior and she set a new course record! 2A state champion Alyssa Pujals' race came down to the wire and she added this title to go with several won in tennis while she was at Gulliver Prep. 3A champion Brittany Gill of Dillard was in her first season of cross country and only her 7th race EVER.
In boy's action, 2A champ Chas Cook finished first and gave the Saints the team title. Steven Cross was victorious in the fastest time of the day and it just happened to be on his future course where he will be a Seminole. Adam Bradtmueller of Sarasota jumped from 3A to 4A with his Sailor teammates and crossed the line in first.
The team battles saw the Circle Christian girls and Father Lopez boys upset some powerhouse programs and bring home the first championships in school history. In 2A, it was more of the same as Bolles won their fourth in a row and Trinity Prep their third. The Creekside boys and Chiles girls flip flopped the results of their opposite genders last year when the Creekside girls and Chiles boys took home titles. In 4A, it was Winter Park laying the smack down on the competition and repeating as champs while St. Thomas Aquinas boys picked up their second title in the last three years.
Which performances were most impressive? Vote in our individual and team polls below and let us know what you decide! Voting closes Sunday at midnight with the winners being announced on Monday.
Which individual champion had the best performance at the state meet?
Which team champion had the best performance at the state meet?