Stephanie Schappert crashed what appeared to be a Jacksonville-area party in the 2A state girls championship race Saturday, with an historic victory over the 5k Little Everglades Ranch course.
Schappert, a sophomore from Boca Raton Pope John Paul II, broke away from seven-runner, lead pack over the final 800 meters to capture her first state championship in 18:10. With her victory, she joins Nicole Schappert - a two-time champion ('03-04) - to become the first sisters to capture state titles in the meet's 35-year history.
"I wanted to be able to go (for the win) with 400 left," said Schappert, how held off Immokalee senior and pre-race favorite Joanne Pierre (18:13) down the stretch.
Schappert had plenty of company in a lead pack that knocked a light frost off the turf in the first race of the day. Fernandina Beach junior Stephanie Strasser (3rd, 18:17) was joined by Bishop Kenny junior Sarah Davis (4th, 18:24), Bolles' senior-sophomore tandem of Kaitlyn Iselborn (5th, 18:34) and Re...
