Led by senior Austin Camps, the boys’ cross country team placed second at the FHSAA 3A District 13 meet. West Shore had four runners in the top 15 and almost everybody on the team ran a new personal best. Junior Jared Hayes, who finished tenth in the race, attributes the fast times to the weather.

“The race started at 7:30 a.m. which was just after sunrise and a lot earlier than usual,” said Hayes, “The cool weather felt great and I couldn’t have asked for any better conditions.”

While the team is excited about how they placed, they have to stay focused on their training so that they can make it past regionals and on to state.

“This is my last season so of course I’m thrilled to have had such a strong showing at districts,” senior Tyler Adams said. “In order to make it past regionals we have to be at our best and the only way to get there is to have a great week of practice and to stay focused.”

Another trip to the state championships could also show the other schools that West Shore’s cross country team can and will compete with some of the best in the state.

“Our team is really progressing,” senior Austin Camps said. “Two years ago we couldn’t even make it past districts and now we have the depth to lose a few top runners and still have a good shot at going to state.”

The team’s next race will be held on October 29th at South Fork High School in Stuart, FL.

By Austin Hayes