As the sun rose to start a new day, the Coral Gables Senior High cross country team hopped on a bus and drove to Tallahassee in order to compete in the State Championship for the third year in a row. The team had prepared for their most important race of the year for the last three months, having promising races and new personal best times.With the boys having placed fourth in regionals and the girls placing third, they had high hopes for a great final race held on Nov. 15.
As the team arrived to the state capital, the team got used to the different weather and environment of a place nothing like Miami. The team got a simple run around the course to feel prepared for their race. After having a good dinner, the runners got to their hotel and rested for their big day.
“The day before States, we are going to run a lap around the course to get a feel for it and try to keep a positive mentality since the nerves can get to us before the race. We like to make jokes to not kill the mood because going to Tallahassee once a year is fun and should be fun,” junior Linus Boettcher said.
Waking up after a long bus ride, the team had to prepare for the race on Nov. 16. The girls warmed up first, with their race starting at 8:10 a.m.. As the girls got on the starting line, they released their nerves and ran their race with confidence. The girls dashed through the course as the boys cheered them on by the sidelines of the course. The team was led by junior Avril Donner, who broke the school record yet again with time of 19:19, placing 37th overall. Right behind her was juniors Yara Korse and Lauren Puig with times of 20:33 and 20:46, respectively. The girls finished with a smile on their faces breaking new personal records and placing 22nd place in their group of theState Championship.
“I was really nervous for this race, but I felt confident I could get a new personal record after having good times throughout the season. I hope that next year I can break 19 minutes and to make [the states-level competition] yet again,” junior Avril Donner said.
After the girls finished their run, the boys had to warm up, as their race was shortly after at 8:35 a.m.. The team had been working hard and knew they had to perform the best they could. As the gun shot, the boys sprinted off the starting line and made their way through the course. Senior Reece Durand-Hernandez led the boys with his personal record of 16:40, with junior Luis Rodriguez right behind him with a time of 16:44. Once everyone had finished, the seniors were in tears knowing they had just run their last race of high school.
“I am really proud of my time. After the race, I became emotional with this being my last race, but I am really proud of how our team developed over the last two years that I was in cross country,” senior Reece Durand-Hernandez said.
This race proved to be an incredible feat for the Cavaliers, as the team managed to make States for the third year in a row. After this outstanding season, the team was proud of their finish in States and are ready to improve for the upcoming season in order to make States for the fourth time.
“The team came with several surprises this season; however, they came a long way and were dedicated to have the best race they could. I am extremely proud of both the boys and girls and I am certain next season could be even better,” Coach Nelson said.
