By Robin Lentz
Fernandina Beach High School’s cross country teams will be moving on to the regional meet after their stellar performance at the district meet Monday evening at Bishop Kenny High School.
The boys team clinched the eighth spot in the regional meet, fighting off the toughest competition in the state. Sophomore Malik Ravenell was the first Pirate to come across the finish line at 17:38, followed by sophomore John William Martin who ran 17:51.
Runners Jack Janzow, Austin Dimas, Elijah Webb, Avery Hilliker and Avery Lentz secured the remaining spots on the regional qualifying team.
Coach Michael Kimmel is thrilled with the team’s performance, “We accomplished our goal! Our first goal was to advance so that we have a chance to qualify for the state meet at next week’s regional meet. We checked that box!
The girls team took fourth place (first public school) out of 17 teams to secure their regional spot. Senior Michaela Nichols and sophomore Jillian Loucks finished first for the Lady Pirates. Both runners were within seconds of their personal bests on a tough course.
Seniors Grace Scuderi and Emma Barrone earned all time best with a 20:10 and 21:30 to help the Pirates edge out Wolfson High School for the top public school honor. Strong performances from senior Laella Reedy, and sophomores Taylor Newman and Emma Houston helped round out the team scoring.
Girls coach Dave Reinhart is very proud of the team for advancing to regionals for the fourth year in a row, “We compete in the toughest district, so to live and fight another day is huge. Finishing 4th overall and first among the 17 public schools in the district for the third year in a row is a testament to this team’s grit and tenacity.”
Both teams travel to Cecil Field on Friday, November 14 for the FSHAA 2A.
