The Fleming Island boys are looking for a top five finish in 4A. We caught up with Coach Jason Poole to discuss this year's Golden Eagles team.
How did your team fare last season and what did you take away from 2016?
We improved quite a bit last year as the season moved on. Our top two runners were very consistent, but our 3-6 runners really started to come along as the season progressed. 
We had a great race at districts, but we ran out of gas and missed out on making it to state by a handful of points in a tough region. We have most of our top seven returning this year, and they are using that disappointment in the regional race as motivation for this season.
How is the team looking this year? What are your tentative top five and top seven?
The boys have put in a lot of work, but we have a long way to go. I'm optimistic, but there are lots of things that can happen over the course of the season. Right now our top six looks pretty stable with a handful of guys battling for the seventh spot.
Tentative top 6:
Andrew Miller
Evan Fuller
Gage West
Nick Hoelscher
Aidan Amstutz
Sam Terry
What are the strengths of this team?
Our top two are very strong and will help us in the large invitational meets. We have a nice pack at 3-7, but they need to close the gap between themselves and our top 2.
What has the training been like?
We have been putting in lots of miles building up our base. A group of our guys went to Brevard Distance Running Camp in North Carolina
Any new additions who may contribute or any surprise non-returners?
We have a few freshmen who have been looking real strong over the summer. Kameron Wallizada and Jayden Scherer both look like they can contribute to our varsity team at an early stage in their cross country careers.
What are the team goals and meets you're keying for this year?
Our overall goal is making it to Tallahassee on November 11. We are looking forward to Spikes and Spurs because it is always a great first meet and our regional meet will be held there. Bartram Trail and Pre-State are also meets where we will be looking forward to seeing where we stand against some elite competition.
Anything else you'd like to add?
We have a great bunch of guys who have worked very hard. The rising seniors on this team are probably the most dedicated runners I have ever coached. I'm looking forward to seeing what they can achieve this season.
What our rankings say:
| 6 | Fleming Island HS (FL) | 438 | ||
| 1) Andrew Miller | 16:13.01 | 9 | ||
| 2) Evan Fuller | 16:24.58 | 17 | ||
| 3) Nick Hoelscher | 17:29.48 | 107 | ||
| 4) Gage West | 17:42.10 | 134 | ||
| 5) Samuel Terry | 17:55.11 | 171 | ||
| Average Time: 17:08.86 Total Time: 1:25:44.28 1-5 Split: 1:42.10 | ||||
| 6) Aidan Amstutz | 18:04.19 | 199 | ||
| 7) Spencer Maculan | 18:38.23 | 287 | ||