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HomeSportsPirates conquer challenging course to kick off cross country season

Pirates conquer challenging course to kick off cross country season

For Nassau NewsLine

Fernandina Beach High School’s cross country teams came out strong in the first meet of the season at the Bronco Classic on Saturday.

The girls team took fourth place out of 23 teams. Sophomore Jillian Loucks finished 10th out of 150 regional runners, tying her personal best time of 20:33. Senior Mikaela Nichols finished close to the top with a 20:56. Helping to secure the Pirates in the top were seniors Grace Scuderi and Emma Barrone.  

Girls coach Dave Reinhart expected a top-five finish, despite missing one of the team’s fastest runners, Laella Reedy, for ACT testing.

“A big surprise was the emergence of newcomer Teagan Cochran, who impressively was our fifth and final scoring runner in her first cross country race ever,” Reinhart said.

The boys finished 10th place out of 23 teams. Newcomer Malik Ravenell, a sophomore, was the top Pirate finisher, running 18:56. Sophomore Austin Dimas came in next with a 19:21. Junior Parker Pettit (19:45) and sophomore Avery Hilliker (19:49) rounded out the scoring with their finishes.

Boys coach Michael Kimmel said he’s happy with the results of such a young team.

“I’m optimistic about the season,” he said. “Some of our kids are already running personal bests, while others have been strong performers in the past.

“Over the next few weeks, I think it will continue to come together. Our goal is to qualify for the state championship. We plan on surprising a few teams that have beaten us in past seasons.”

Both teams travel to Tallahassee on Saturday, Sept. 13, to compete in the Hoka Invitational. This race will give the Pirates a chance to preview the state championship course. The community can see the Pirates run at home at 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, at the Fernandina Beach Golf Club for the Coach Hope Invitational.

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