The Coral Gables Senior High School cross country team had finally made it to their end destination: the Florida High School Athletic Association State Finals. Huddling up in Apalachee Regional Park, preparing for their final race of the season, the Cavaliers were ready to bring their best against teams from across the state. On Nov. 17, both the girls and boys team strived to leave their mark during the final run after enduring a whole season full of record-breaking heat, injuries and losses..
“I think the team has changed from year to year, and I’m always happy to see how they get to the end at states and how they come together to perform. I would say there’s no question that this is the hardest working team ever for both boys and girls. The preparation they did throughout the year was just amazing,” Coach Nelson said.
Previously, the team raced at the FHSAA 4A Regional 4 race on Nov. 8, the right of passage to states. Every team awaited their results, hoping to be among the top eight teams so they could advance to the state finals. After discovering that the girls placed fourth and the boys placed fifth, Gables moved on to Tallahassee, Fl.
On Nov. 16, Gables met at 5:30 a.m. in front of the school, awaiting their eight hour car ride to the state capital. They were scheduled to arrive to Apalachee Regional Park around 2:00 p.m. for a pre-race jog.
Admiring the view, the Cavaliers who were unfamiliar with the course were stunned by the clean-cut grass and oak tress in the vicinity that comprised the course. However, these runners examined the hills, especially the infamous “Wall ” that lied on the course.
“The atmosphere was unbelievable, because you have a lot of the best teams in Florida, and you can tell they’re all there to win it. It’s a really serious meet, and it’s unlike anything else I’ve ever experienced,” sophomore Adrian Perez said.
After their brief practice, the teams checked in to the Red Roof Inn where they spent the night. Munching on a pasta dinner together, the boys and girls connected with each other before the big race.
Savoring all the moments leading up to the race, Gables was about to fulfill their dream. Reminded by their coaches to enjoy the beautiful course, they sped into the distance.
“States was really fun especially the drive and the hotel, but it was also stressful. I had high expectations and goals for myself, and I know other people shared those expectations from me too, and I felt a lot of pressure from that,” sophomore Avril Donner said.
That crisp morning on 7:30 a.m., the gun sounded and the girls team started as the boys team cheered them on. Placing 29th place out of 32 teams, Gables posted an average time of 22 minutes and 35 seconds, as four girls hit their personal records.
While the girls team raced, the boys warmed up and watched two other races before theirs. By running strides and stretching, they released their nerves. Both coaches conveyed their message to the Gables boys, telling them to enjoy their race and to show the other teams how much they have earned this right.
“I think cross country has made me realize how every little thing can benefit you. It’s taught me the morals of discipline and positive attitude. The team is a huge family and being a part of it is so meaningful and going through the same challenges with the other girls feels really supportive,” senior Catalina Quinteros said.
The boys waited for the gun and at 8:10 a.m. their race commenced. The girls team shouted their way after finishing their own race. The boys finished at an impressive 16th place out of 32 teams, with an average time of 16 minutes and 57 seconds. Four of the boys also broke their personal record.
Post-race, the runners let go of a few tears as seniors Catalina Quinteros and Anthony Roles-Fotso were celebrated for their last cross country race ever.
This race proved to be a huge milestone for Gables as it was the second time both boys and girls go to states in Gables’ cross country history, the first time being the 2022 season. Concluding a season full of victory and speed, the 2023 cross country season will go down as one to remember.
