3A Girls and Boys
Girls
Chiles has proved us wrong this season. We had them ranked #2 going into the preseason, and they have not only proved us wrong, but have demonstrated they are the top team in FL and in the southeast.
Chiles had a huge win at the FLRunners Race of Champions and then again this past weekend at Great American Race of Champions. They have seven girls sub 19:55, and three girls sub 19.
Creekside has had a great season as well, with Claire Openshaw and Elizabeth Iliff leading the pack.
We had many top names on our key returner lists, but so many athletes have proved us wrong these past few weeks.
- Valerie Lastra had a huge PR on the Holloway Park Course at the FLrunners Invitational running 17:54.
- Parker Valby was not on our key returner list and she has emerged as one of the top names in the state with her back to back sub 18 minute performances at North Port and Great American.
- Natalie Abernathy has had a very consistent season with every race sub 19 and dipping into the low 18's.
These are just a few athletes that have emerged has key players in this classification.
3A Girls Preseason Scouting Report
Boys
Belen Jesuit remains at the top of the 3A rankings and with their top seven all sub 17 minutes, they are the strongest in the field. Led by freshman, Adam Magoulas, this squad has had a very consistent season.
Robinson and Chiles have proved us wrong this season. There was no mention of Robinson or Chiles and these teams have race to #2 and #3 spots for the 3A boys.
Robinson's Ethan Geiger has had a stellar season, dipping down to 15:56 at the North Port Invitational. Chile's Connor Phillips has taken his time this season down from a 17:00 at Cougar XC Challenge in August to a 16:26 at the FLRunners Invitational two weeks ago.
Keep an eye out for these two teams as we move into the championship season.
Hugh Brittenham, Aidan O'Gorman, Jake Turner, and Nickolas Kamen all continue to be top names in the classification and will be tough competitors come November.