Key Teams
Class 3A and 4A saw the majority of change after the new classifications were released months back. With Chiles and Creekside moving up to 4A and Winter Springs moving down to 3A, the classification will be very interesting with some new faces and new teams to face off.
Valerie Lastra will return for her senior season after one stellar junior year. The state record holder will be tough to beat with her 17:17.58 PR on the ARP course, 4:47 1600m speed, and 10:29 3200m strength. She comes into this season as the strong favorite for the 3A state title.
Osceola senior, Taylor Stone, will be up for the challenge. Stone finished fourth last year at the state meet in a time of 18:00.21. She too has had an excellent track season running PRs of 4:56.95 in the 1600m and 10:42.62 in the 3200m.
The 2018 runner-up, Ani Veltcheva, shocked the 3A scene with her 17:46.58 performance last year. This past track season she raced minimally -- placing sixth at the 3200m at the state meet in a time of 11:00.29. Veltcheva and Liina Winborn will be two to watch this season. They have had fantastic cross country seasons and really see their strength come out on the xc course.
Elayna Bahr will lead Winter Springs on their 3A state title attempt this season. With three girls nearly sub 18:30 last season it will be interesting to see how they compete this season. Bahr and Mackenzie Czurak focused their efforts this track season on their middle distance speed with Caroline Wells focusing on the 1600m/3200m combo, racing to a new PR of 10:54.68 at the 3200m.
On paper Winter Springs will be the favorite for the 3A state title, but Osceola HS and Fort Myers could put some serious pressure on the Bears. Osceola only graduated two of their top five from last season and Fort Myers will be running as a tight pack this season.