The boys’ cross country team finished third and the girls’ team finished fourth to qualify for Regionals in the Class 2A, District 12 meet at Cocoa High on Saturday. Both Cocoa Beach High School teams finished first in a run that saw only the top four squads advance.
“I think the team did a fantastic job on both the boys’ and girls’ side,” Luke Redito, a top varsity runner said. “Individually, I was pleased with my place, but I know time-wise I can do better. But I was very proud of how our team ran. As for next weekend’s Regional race, our team will have to step it up since it is very difficult to qualify as an individual and as a team. However, I think everyone will bring their best effort, and we should be able to advance as a team. The only thing we can do now is to keep working hard and do our best next weekend.”
Junior Luke Redito placed ninth individually with a time of 17:27 with junior Jacob Smithe right behind him in 10th place with a time of 17:28. Sarah Day placed fifth individually with a time of 20:30, and Kate Crowley finished 12th with a time of 21:07. The top 13 finishers qualify for Regionals as individuals.
“I knew we would have to target Rockledge and Space Coast in order to qualify for Regionals,” Crowley, the varsity captain said. “A lot of the girls really stepped it up this weekend. Despite injuries and sickness we still had some [personal records]. The team placed fourth, barley beating out Space Coast, and we were only five points away from placing third and defeating Rockledge. The girls’ team has been very motivated and training hard lately. I know that if we keep up our positive attitudes and all try our best at Regionals, we can make it all the way to State.”
