Red shirts flooding a bus during second lunch caught the attention of many as the vehicle departed from Coral Gables Senior High. Finding themselves in a familiar place, Gables’ cross country team arrived at Larry & Penny Thompson Park to compete in the yearly Youth Fair Invitational race. Clear skies and humid weather along with uneven terrain created a difficult atmosphere for participating runners, which they prepared to face in order to find themselves victorious.
Reaching the park at 1:15 p.m., hours before the first race, runners set up their respective equipment and were able to have a good time with their teammates before having to mentally prepare for the race that lay ahead. Many runners took some time alone to work on their studies, while others enjoyed the time talking with their teammates and exploring the area together.
“When we set up, I like to take a little nap and do some schoolwork, then if there is enough time I join the activities that everyone else is doing. That can be walking around or even playing some games on our phones,” junior Linus Boettcher said.
Nearing 3:30 p.m., the junior varsity girls were the first to warm up before their race, utilizing dynamic stretches including exercises like high knees and hamstring scoops. Running at the hottest time out of all the races, the girls had to adjust to the heat without the shade from trees and tents. A blisteringly hot but exciting race was followed by another junior varsity race for the boys.
Many teams took advantage of the unlimited runners for junior varsity teams at the Youth Fair Invitational and ran a plethora of people. A large turnout for the race pushed Gables’ team to strive for greatness, as the race was packed with limited room at the starting line. Nonetheless, the junior varsity boys race, which featured six Gables students, proved to be hasty from start to finish.
“I feel like the amount of people always influences you and especially in the start when it can be very crowded and the trail is really rocky. It wasn’t as bad as usual and I feel that running with other people and trying to catch up to other groups is important in a race,” senior Santiago Gonzalez said.
Both junior varsity teams were able to find success, with sophomore Gabriela Mendez receiving fifth place with a time of 24:08 for the junior varsity girls. The junior varsity boys team also obtained fourth place in a packed meet with many consistent times including Santiago Gonzalez with a time of 20:32 and Ruben Sanchez with a time of 21:31.
After junior varsity races had concluded, the varsity girls were ready and waiting on the starting line at 4:45 p.m. to commence their race. Out of the 116 runners in the race, seven of the girls were representing Gables. Coach Fotso gave the team a quick pep talk before the race, advising them to run their hardest and reminding that they have been training for these races all season.
In the end, the girls placed second with 83 points, right behind Our Lady of Lourdes Academy. They were led by junior Avril Donner with a noticeable time of 20:42:30. Right behind her were juniors Yara Korse, achieving a time of 21:44, and Sharon Contreras with one of 22:o3.
“I think I could’ve gotten third place or a better placement if there were more people because I had to run alone for most of the race, even though Coach Fotso says it’s better not to run alone. Once I passed the girl that was in fourth, there was no one else near me to pace with and it is really difficult to make up much time,” junior Avril Donner said.
After an incredible race from the girls, the varsity boys were prepared to fly through the course. With 151 boys on the starting line, the Gables team was filled with nerves and adrenaline. As the gun shot, all nine boys sprinted off the starting line with high hopes for the race.
Many boys achieving relatively stable times in comparison their prior meets led them towards bronze in the Youth Fair Invitational. An impressive performance by Jason Norona, who received first place at the meet with a time of 17:26, propelled Gables to third place.
“Getting first place wasn’t too meaningful because it was more of a practice meet for future races like [the state-wide competition]. Although it wasn’t a huge meet, I am proud of how I started off the race in around 15th place and made my way up to first place,” junior Jason Norona said.
The Youth Fair was Gables’ second meet in two weeks, giving the team the opportunity to take a off week to work on their speed for their upcoming schedule. Their next meet will take them back to Larry and Penny for the 305 Classic on Oct. 11.
