The Mt. Dora Christian Academy (Bible) boys' cross country team is currently ranked third going into this weekend's 1A Cross Country Finals. The Bulldogs have won their last four meets in a row with sophomore Gabriel Curtis leading the team to a first place district and regional finish. Last year, he was the lone representative for the school in Tallahassee where he crossed the line in 8th place. We caught up with Coach Zack White to talk about the teams road to state.
Tell us a little bit about how your teams doing so far compared to last year?
Last year, this team did not make it out of their district. This year's team has consistently improved over the course of the season and have won their last four meets including districts and regionals. Their work ethic and love for each other is off the charts.
What were some goals coming into this season?
Their goals at the beginning of the season were to win district, get top three at regionals, and qualify to state.
What do you think has been the biggest game changer this season for your team?
The game changer in this team has been camaraderie and brotherhood. This team has bought into the culture and into each other. Every time they run they are not running for themselves or for personal recognition. Each time one of these guys toes the line, it is evident that they are running for something much greater. They have bought into the team, not into themselves. Therefore, they race for each other. They race for their brothers. They race for their family. My five guy knows the one guy is depending on him and vice versa. This team truly is a family built around love and love can be an incredible motivator to keep pressing on in the face of pain.
Your team is projected third. What would it mean for your team to make the podium?
On Saturday, this team will give it their all. We are confident that if we run our race, then we will like where we end up in the standings. Our only goal right now is to run our race and leave no regrets.
More Coverage
- 1A Individual Rankings (Based On 2016 SB): Girls l Boys
- 1A Individual Rankings (Based On Region Results): Girls l Boys
- 1A Team Scores (Based On Region Results): Girls l Boys
- 1A Team Scores (Based On 2016 SB): Girls l Boys
- 1A Top 2015 Cross Country Finals Returners: Girls l Boys
