Thomas Howell (Niceville) and Ivy Chastain (Ft. Walton Beach) taking it in for the wins in their respective varsity races. Photo by Rese Ammons
On-Site Coverage
Meet Summary
BY RESE AMMONS
“It’s a challenging course and I like the challenge,” stated a very excited and still out of breath Ivy Chastain after just winning the girls varsity race. “I’m really happy with how the race turned out,” she added.
The starting line was packed and there seemed to be a high level of excitement from not only the runners but the spectators and coaches as well. Perhaps the cooler fall like weather put everyone in a good mood, or maybe just the level of competition present at the meet. Whatever it was, everyone was having a good time and the runners were anxious for the starters gun to fire.
The gun went off and it was a mad dash to break out of the pack and not get boxed in. It was impossible to tell who would take the first lead as the runners cleared the opening field and darted into the woods.
Spectators raced to find a spot near where the runners would be exiting the woods towards the second mile. The first out were Ivy Chastain from Fort Walton Beach and Marsel Mosley of Niceville. Both girls kept pace with each other and were a good 10 seconds ahead of the first large pack. Karisa Nelson of T.R. Miller was near the front of that pack.
Spectators and coaches crowded down the length of the very long finish shoot waiting for their runner to appear. “Let’s hear it for our first place runner,” announced the DJ as Ivy Chastain made her way down the shoot. And there was no one else anywhere near her.
“She’s getting smarter every race, trying to overcome her weakness,” commented Coach Jeff Fields about Ivy’s race. Ivy finished with a time of 18:26 which was not only 14 seconds ahead of second place, but also a new school record, beating Fort Walton Beach’s previous record of 18:46.
Karisa Nelson pushed her way up to second place finishing in 18:40 and Marsel Mosley fell back to third with a time of 18:46. Fort Walton Beach took home the team win with Niceville High in second place.
For the boys varsity, it was no surprise when Thomas Howell of Niceville appeared out of the woods leading the race. He had quite a lead and it was what seemed like a good minute before anyone else appeared out of the woods.
Spectators seemed anxious to find out who would wind up entering the shoot first. And Thomas did not disappoint. Nearly 25 seconds ahead of any other runners, Thomas crossed the finish line.
“I could have put more out,” Thomas commented on his performance. He also added about the course, “I don’t like the deep sand, but I like how everything is open, and I like the trail too, it’s real cross country.”
“Thomas did his usual incredible job,” stated head coach Tom Durrenberger. “Thomas does right where we expect him to do and he’s getting better.” Coach Durrenberger also added, “the real story for us is our runners that are further down in the pack, namely Michael Patrick. He’s been running 7th or 8th on the team and he finished 3rd for the team today. Just an incredible performance, really gratifying for a coach to see.”
Zachary Albright from St. Paul’s finished second with 16:09 and in third was Tim Bulger from Fort Walton Beach with a time of 16:11. The Fort Walton Beach boys took home the first place trophy with St. Paul’s in second place.
“The boys are so united and they ran so smart today,” added Coach Fields. “That’s a state championship performance, it was beautiful.”