Team Previews
Creekside Boys:
After a stellar 4th place finish in 2014 the Knights return five of their top eight. Currently ranked number 2 in 3A, the Knights will be a top contender to bring home their first state title. The boys are led by 3 juniors; Nick Deal, Matthew Clark, and Jackson Storey, who could all contend for All State Honors.
Bartram Trail Boys:
Despite losing a key group of seniors, the Bartram Trail boys should still be one of the top teams in North Florida this season. Under the leadership of Coach Paul Nowicki, who was recently inducted into the FACA Hall of Fame, the Bears will be a strong team and be at their best come November. Led by Senior Jordan Bubar, the Bartram Boys could be the surprise team in 3A.
Bishop Kenny Boys:
The Crusaders are always a top five team in class 2A, and this year should be no different. With a deep squad, and a slew of sub 17 minute 5k runners, the Crusaders should be one of the top finishers in 2A.
Bolles Boys:
Under the leadership of new coach Mike Rivera, the Bolles boys have blossomed over the past year. The young Bulldogs are poised to contend with Bishop Kenny for Private School dominance in North Florida.
Mandarin Boys:
Another talented team led by Coach Jim Schmidt. The Mustangs return two sub 10 minute 3200m runners and a 4:20 miler to their squad for the 2015 season. They will easily be the top area team in 4A.
Bolles Girls:
The lady Bulldogs will be out to claim their fourth straight 2A State Title, and should have no trouble accomplishing that feat. With two state champions across three events in Track, and four girls returning with sub 19 5K times, the Bulldogs are scary good. With another win this year, they should cement themselves as one of the greatest dynasties in the history of Florida Girls Cross Country.
Creekside Girls:
Despite losing three pivotal members of their 2014 State title team, the lady Knights will still be one of the area’s top teams. Led by Tara Openshaw and Kaitlyn Rocker, the Knights will have another solid season, and should be the top area team in 3A for another year.
Nease Girls:
Led by Senior Katie Potts, the Nease girls will have another solid team. In a down year for North Florida girls in 3A, the Panthers could surprise Creekside as the area’s top team in 3A despite losing standout senior Yaranel Abreu.
Saint Augustine Girls:
With the talented duo of Kelly Aponte, and Emily Onimus, the Jackets will have some great firepower up front. If they can develop some younger runners, they too could be the top area girls’ team in 3A.
Individual Previews
Boys Individual Preview:
Dominic Williams (Robert E. Lee)
With his 15:48 5k Personal Best from last Cross Country season, Williams is not just the fastest returner, but also the most decorated. Coming off of a phenomenal track season as a State Medalist in the 1600m, Williams will look to carry that momentum back to the podium in November.
Creekside’s Big Three
The Creekside boys are led by a trio of juniors; Matthew Clark, Nick Deal, and Jackson Storey. These athletes have already had tremendous success in both Cross Country and Track. Storey is coming off of a brilliant sophomore season that saw him run 1:56, and 4:20 for 800m, and 1600m respectively. Clark and Deal have both run under 4:40 for the 1600m, as well as under 16:05 for 5k. This trio will be a deadly force up front this season, and could lead the Knights to their first boys State Title.
Trenton Liberty (Mandarin)
This year Liberty will be the leader of the Mustangs storied Cross Country program. Liberty was the star last year, posting a personal best of 16:05 and narrowly missing All-State Honors. After running under 10 minutes for 3200m this track season, he should be ready to make the big jump and earn All-State Honors this season.
Others to Watch
David Hall (Oakleaf)
Terrance Sessoms (Sandalwood)
Jordan Bubar (Bartram Trail)
Sem Zhdanov (Mandarin)
Michael Cassette (Mandarin)
Girls Individual Preview
Kayley Delay (Fletcher)
Delay was by far the most dominant runner in Northeast Florida last year. Her time of 17:58 was the 3rd fastest time in the State last year, earning her All-State Honors. She continued that dominance into track season by posting the 6th fastest 3200m time of 10:53, and the State Leading 1600m time of 4:57. Despite all of her success, Delay has never won a State Title, and she will look to change that this season.
Mackenzie Wilson (Bolles)
Wilson has been one of the top runners in the area for her entire career, and will look to finish that career on top this fall. Despite finishing in the top 5 for three straight seasons, Wilson has never taken home the gold at the State Cross Country Finals. However the 2 time State 3200m champion will be the favorite this year.
Kelly Aponte (Saint Augustine)
Kelly burst on the scene last year, dropping her PR exponentially every race, until finally finishing runner up at the State Meet last November. This year she won’t be a surprise athlete, and will be the favorite to win the 3A girls State Title. She is one of the most laid back competitors in the entire state, and the pressure shouldn’t be a problem for Aponte. Look for her to be standing on top of the podium in November.
Others to Watch:
Tara Openshaw (Creekside)
Ally Hajda (Bolles)
Rachel Shapiro (Bolles)
Emily Onimus (Saint Augustine)
Lauren Stanford (Bartram Trail)
