FHSAA Cross Country State Finals 2012

Poised, collected and displaying an air of confidence that resides only in the most elite and focused of runners, Thomas Howell entered Saturday’s 3A cross country state finals in Tallahassee relaxed and carefree. (via www.varsitysportswest.com)

The Bishop Kenny boys and Bolles girls, led by David Yarborough and Mackenzie Wilson, respectively, captured Class 2A state titles by the same 41-point margins. In Class 4A, the Mandarin boys were second, their best-ever finish. (via jacksonville.com)

Article wrapping up all of the coverage and info about this year's state meet in Tallahassee.

With one mile to go in Saturday's Class 3A state cross country race, Chiles senior Rachel Givens had pent-up energy. (via www.tallahassee.com)

When you're a coach who has guided 10 teams to state titles, second place may seem like a bit of a letdown. But after his girls squad finished second at Saturday's Class 4A state cross country championships at Apalachee Regional Park, Plant's Roy Harrison was all smiles. (via TBO.com)

On the most sublime racing morning of her high school life, 5-foot Mitchell senior Claudia Cancello consumed half a banana, a little water and essentially none of Nikita Shah's dust. (via www.tampabay.com)

For nearly 10 minutes after Bridget Blake won her third consecutive state cross country title Saturday at Apalachee Regional Park, the Dr. Phillips senior stood at the finish line. (via OrlandoSentinel.com)

Pine Crest freshman Julia Montgomery stunned herself, and runners around the state, by winning the Class 2A girls championship. (via South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com)

Gently swaying ancient oak trees towered above runners at the FHSAA state cross country finals on Saturday morning. (via Naples Daily News)

Bernie Montoya, Elise Cranny take NXNSW wins! Domanic, Jochen take NXNS wins! Southlake Carroll dominated team titles at NXNS! (Photo of Montoya winning by Margot Kelly)

Dr. Phillip's senior Bridget Blake is looking to go out with her third cross country state title. The team race was hotly contested last year with three teams within four points. This year looks like it could be just as competitive with a very strong Plant, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Ferguson, all vying for the team trophy once again.

A host of boys led by David Yarborough and Jonathan Klumpp vie for the individual win; Yarborough's Bishop Kenny heavily favored for team victory.

Colonial senior AndresArroyo is one of the top runners in the nation and comes in as the favorite in 4A. Arroyo won the 4A state championship in 2011 and led the Grenadiers to their first team title in any sport in the schools existence. After a strong track season that saw him capture three more state titles, and a strong team once again, expect for both situations to repeat themselves.

Daesha Rogers and Julia Montgomery will do battle for the third week in a row. Bolles looks to run away with the title, while Pine Crest and Bishop Kenny lock horns for second.

Twenty runners have broken sixteen minutes this year and four have gone under 15:30 making 3A one of the hardest classifications of all. Can Avery Lopez follow in the footsteps of last year's champ Elliot Clemente and give Belen another individual title? Is it the year of Palmetto Ridge senior Carlos Miranda or will a member of Fort Myers or Niceville's dynamic duos take home the honors? Will nationally ranked Belen be tested? If so, is it the tight pack of Fort Walton Beach or Fort Myers led by Bennett and Brown? This will shape up to be one of the best races of the day.

Estero looks to repeat as 3A state champions and win their third team title in three years. Can number one runner Kacy Smith pick up her second individual state title in the process? The senior will be tested by Ft. Myers junior Emily Edwards and Wiregrass Ranch senior Nikita Shah who is headed to Harvard. This one could come down to a sprint to the finish.

Daniel Salas is a big favorite individually, but his Trinity Prep team will have their hands full with their arch rivals from Holy Trinity yet again.

Julie Wollrath and Holy Trinity will be favored going in, but the ladies of Oak Hall are determined to spoil the fun.

The FHSAA made an unexpected announcement tonight, publicly stating that it has selected its top choice for the state cross country meet: Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.