The boys’ cross-country team is headed for the state meet after placing second out of 14 teams at the regional meet at South Fork High on Nov. 3. 

The team qualified for the state meet last year, placing 21st out of 24 teams, and Coach Gregory Hayes expects even better results this year.  

“I’m hoping for [personal records] and hoping for at least a 15th place finish [as a team],” Hayes said. “That would be wonderful if they could do that. We have three seniors that will be racing, so [there is] a lot more senior experience going into this. All those guys have run on the course so they’re really familiar with it”

Senior Christian Camps has similar goals for both the team and individually.

“I expect the team to do the best they ever have,” Camps said. “Knowing it’s the last [cross-country] race I’ll ever run, I’m going to give it my all and hold nothing back. Going into this race is bittersweet. It’s upsetting knowing this is going to be all over soon, but at the same time I’m happy that we’ve come this far.”

In addition to the three seniors, the team also consists of eighth-grader Lucas B., the team’s only middle-schooler.

“It’s a little intimidating running against all high schoolers, but it gives me experience and I’m ready to race,” Lucas said. “I’m feeling really good about this weekend. I’m really excited. I’ve never been to states before, and I’ve been waiting really long for this.”

Butler said the seniors have helped him improve throughout the season.

“I’m a little sad that their leaving because they have been great to run with and are great role models,” he said. “I’m going to try to make the best out of this last race with them.”

The boys will be racing Saturday at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee.    

By Jonelle Plahuta