Junior Sarah Day placed seventh in Regional cross-country meet at Chain of Lakes in Titusville on Saturday, qualifying for the State meet in Dade City on Nov. 19.

The boys’ placed seventh, just missing the qualification for State as one of the top six teams by a few points, and the girls’ finished 10th. Thirteen schools competed in the meet.

Individually, junior Jacob Smithe placed 17th and junior Luke Redito came in close behind him at 29th.The boys’ and girls’ varsity cross country teams travelled to Chain of Lakes in Titusville on Nov. 12 to compete against 13 schools for Regionals, and in hopes of advancing to State the following weekend. The top six teams and top 15 individuals qualified for State.

“The region that we were in was extremely tough and the competition was fierce and even though as a team we all ran our best and gave it our all luck just wasn’t with us that day, Redito, a top varsity runner said. “On the other hand, I was very pleased and proud of how everyone ran. Individually I was satisfied with my time [a personal record of 17:18], and I guess I can’t complain.  I wasn’t really able to get in a solid summer of running because of my knee injury, so I did quite well for the season given my circumstances.”

Smithe put the season in perspective.

“Even though it was pretty disappointing that we didn’t qualify to State, especially because we were so close I’m pretty content with how the season turned out as an individual and as a team,” Jacob Smithe, top varsity runner said. “The team became a lot closer this season, and that definitely contributed to our successful season. I know in years to come our program will only get stronger.”

Roar staff report