This upcoming weekend the University of North Florida Hayt Golf Complex will be home to over 40 high school teams showcasing some of the best runners in Northern Florida. Over the years this season opener has proved to provide fast times as runners maneuver over sloping greens and thru wooded dirt trails. The University of North Florida Invitational will feature five races starting off with the collegiate men's 5k at 7:30am. To see how things could play out this weekend check out our virtual meet preview feature and remember to follow along Saturday for coverage from our North Florida correspondents during the meet!
Meet Schedule:
7:30 AM College Open - Men's 5K
7:50 AM College Open - Women's 3K
8:10 AM Varsity HS Boys 5K (7 per team plus any additional athletes under 20 minutes)
8:35 AM Varsity HS Girls 5K (7 per team plus any additional athletes under 24 minutes)
9:00 AM Junior Varsity HS Boys/Girls Open 5K
(Photo via Teri Bernhardt-Rodriguez)
Girls Race Preview:
In the girls race it's 2015 FHSAA 4A Cross Country runner up Kayley Delay (17:56.7) defending her title against Freshman Rebecca Clark (17:55.6). For many athletes it's likely this meet is their season opener and will show who's ready to race and who's still in summer mode. Other top contenders include Juniors Lauren Stanford and Grace Gerry.
With the top three teams from last year not in attendance the Creekside High school girls are the favorite to win with five girls capable of running within the top thirty.
Boys Race Preview:
The Creekside High School boys return to defend their title led by Senior Matthew Clark. Last year Clark was edged out by Nease's Jonathon Jackson. With Jackson graduated and a new PR of 15:49.60 Clark enters the meet with the target on his back. Keeping Clark company in the sub 16 minute barrier are Bishop Kenny Junior Nathan Jurban (15:58.99), placed 5th at the 2015 2A Cross Country Championship, and Senior Dominic Williams of Robert E. Lee High School (15:59.12).
It looks like Creekside has the potential to be a top contending team this season on the girls and boys sides. The Knights competed at the Spikes and Spurs Classic last weekend with the girls placing 2nd and the boys 4th respectively behind Bartam Trail at third place.
Virtual Meets:
New 2016 University of North Florida Invitational Meet Information