Week 5 of the 2026 Florida boys cross country season produced some impressively fast times, with many of the state's top runners taking their talents to out-of-state showcase meets. Belen Jesuit put on an absolute clinic in Alabama, while Nease HS ventured to Minnesota. Back home, in-state invitationals proved just as competitive.
Here is a breakdown of the top 10 performances by Florida boys in Week 5:
1. Marcelo Mantecon, Belén Jesuit - 14:41.60
Marcelo Mantecon dropped the hammer at The Southern Showcase, clocking a state-leading and season-best 14:41.60 as he defended his 2025 title. As the frontrunner for a nationally ranked Belen Jesuit squad, the senior took the lead and set a "come with me if you want" pace from the start, running a 4:37 first mile and pulling away to claim the individual title and lock down the fastest time in Florida for Week 5.
2. Armando Cruz, Belén Jesuit - 14:58.60
Joining his teammate under 15:00 with a 14:58.60, Armando Cruz was the runner-up at The Southern Showcase, demonstrating that Belen's 1-2 is one of the best in the country.
3. Jack Michalak, Belen Jesuit - 15:01.70
Jack Michalak made it a clean 1-2-3 sweep for Belen at The Southern Showcase. Running a 15:01.70, Michalak's performance was the crucial third-place finish that helped Belen dominate the team standings against an elite Southeastern field.
4. Axel Sallault, East Ridge HS - 15:05.90
Defending the home turf, Axel Sallault continued his impressive season at the 16th Annual Hawks on the Hill XC Invite. His 15:05.90 win was the fastest in Florida time run during Week 5.
5. Matthew Ishee, Nease HS - 15:13.20
Traveling north to compete in a Midwestern invitational, Matthew Ishee delivered a stellar performance at the Roy Griak Invitational in Minnesota. Ishee crossed the line in 15th place with a 15:13.20 in a race that saw four boys go sub-15:00 and 23 go sub-15:20. Ishee cemented himself firmly inside the state's top five this week with his performance.
6. Sean Cunningham, Providence School - 15:15.70
The Southern Showcase proved to be the premier destination for fast times, and Sean Cunningham took full advantage. He rolled to a 15:15.70 finish against the deep field in Huntsville, adding his name to the top tier of Florida boys.
7. Luis Rivera, St. Cloud HS - 15:20.20
Luis Rivera won at the North Port XC Invite. On a new course, he clocked a respectable 15:20.20, earning the seventh-fastest performance of the week overall and the second-fastest time recorded in-state.
8. Douglas Seth, Flagler Palm Coast HS - 15:20.70
Douglas Seth added to the quick times in Huntsville, running a 15:20.70 at The Southern Showcase. The performance showcased his strength, speed, and impressive runs this season, placing him just half a second behind Rivera's in-state run.
9. Fletcher Rodbro, IMG Academy - 15:21.60
Fletcher Rodbro continued his strong season at The Southern Showcase with a 15:21.60. IMG continues to produce strong individual efforts on the regional stage, and Rodbro's run in Huntsville demonstrated that his earlier sub-15:00 performance clearly has him in the Top 1o this season in Florida.
10. Rishi Chopra, Nease HS - 15:22.80
Rishi Chopra gave Nease a second top-10 statewide performance for week 5 from the prestigious Roy Griak Invitational. He crossed the line at 15:22.80, demonstrating Nease's depth against some top-tier Midwest talent.
5000 Meter Run
