What's up Flrunners? My name is Trey LaNasa and I'm a sophomore at Fort Walton Beach High School and Ill be showing you what it's like to live, run, and race in the Panhandle region. Ironically while the country is in one of the worst droughts we've had in a long time our area had rain 22 out of the 31 days in August. CRAZY. But that sure doesn't stop us who practically live in the water up here in Destin/Fort Walton areas. IIt takes a different breed of person to run here. With the options to go to the beach and fish all day everyday or run in the 95 degree heat, sucking-air-through-a-straw North West Florida air, we brave the pain of summer training because that's the pain it takes to be the best. Hopefully all the hard work everyone puts in works out and shows on the courses because when it comes down to it you root for the people in your area to beat all the down south teams no matter what rivalry you have. This is the region you'll see a lot out of this year and heres what went down this first exciting week of racing.
A lot of the local teams ran at the 2nd Annual Patriot Run at Sims middle School Athletic Complex which acts as the 1a ,2a, and 3a district course. I'm pretty sure there aren't any official times, but I've been told that Niceville's Thomas Howell ran a 16 flat for the win and Nick Morken ran around a 16:08.Someone remarked on Facebook that it looked like a Sunday stroll in the park for the two and its common knowledge around here that Mr. Howell is looking for that sought after 3a state championship so everyone keep an eye on this guy. A bunch of other top teams in their respective classes and regions ran as well, such as 2a school West Florida Tech with a returning senior Alec Clark who ran a 4:30 during track. I actually spent a lot of time racing them and getting to know them as class act guys last year at districts and regions and eventually the 2a track state championship in the 4x80o. Pensacola Catholic was also at the meet and seems to still be going strong even with missing two sub ten minute two milers from last years team. Also Washington ran there. Overall it was a great start to the season even with the tough muddy course that is primarily packed dirt.
Another big race ran was the Lions roar in Tallahassee which is what we went to and the state course is really awesome! Some great area teams such as Leon, Bolles, Lincoln, Florida High, Maclay, Wakulla, and lowndes High schools ran and made for a great competitive first race. Sukhi Khosla ran for the win in a 16:15 which is really superb given the tough state course and the tough conditions all across the state. With his insane 2 mile time as a freshman this guy is sure to raise some eyebrows this season. I think Leon was also missing one of their top runners to the ACT and they also had senior Will Henderson take 3rd overall in 16:30 so strong front running from a team not really talked about. Land O Lakes Highschool also had some strong front running with two guys in the top 5 running 16:29 and 16:34 respectively. Overall there were nine guys under the 17 minute mark and about 20 under the Florida elite marks also. The girls varsity race was after the guys and was run about 9:45 in the morning and nearing probably 85 to 90 degrees at this point with some on and off rain. The muddy trails and conditions took a toll on times but the racing was still very exciting to watch and cheer on our girls after we had already gone through the gauntlet of FSU course! The race was won in 19:45 by Lowndes senior Megan Charbeneau. Last year's track and cross country 3k middle school champ Emma Rudman placed third individually and led the Lady Vikings to a first place finish with strong pack running.
There was also a middle school race at the Lions Roar way after the high school races and bless those children's souls who ran in the heat and ran after 3 full races of highschoolers softening and running through the course. The guys winner was Mathew Cashin in 12:14 with the next guy 15 seconds back. The girls race was won by Cassie Pierron in 12:35.
There was also some great racing back home at Lewis Middle School with last years middle school state champs Destin Middle with new runner Kyle Ferris with the win in 12:20 and fellow 8th grader Harrison Jordan running 12:40 for second and giving the Marlins the win for the first meet of the season. The girls race also featured some Marlin dominance with 7th grader Keaton Farne leading the Marlins with a 3rd place individual finish! They have a really strong team this year and might challenge Liza Jackson who has been the perennial power house on the girls side for the past couple years now led by Lucy Rudman. Shout out to my little sister Theresa who's in 5th grade with a 17:40 finish today! #siblingswag
That about wraps up this week's Panhandle running that I know of. If anyone wants anything added in, races to touch on, or performances to shout out just email me at michaellanaser@gmail.com and I will definitely get back to it.
