RUNNING ROYALS QUALIFY FOR REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
RUNNING ROYALS QUALIFY FOR REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
An early morning rainstorm made Saturday’s District 1-1A Cross Country course a muddy mess. But it didn’t deter the Royals from digging in and running their best races of the season. In Pace, Florida where nine competing teams participated, Jay High was the host school.
The Jay Boy’s Cross Country team finished 3rd out of 7 full teams, earning them a spot to compete at the FHSAA 1A-Regional Cross Country Championships this Saturday in Lake City.
“This was by far the best team performance for our boys in recent years,” Jay Boy’s Head Coach Matthew Dobson commented. “You train them, motivate them, and hope you can have them ready to peak at the championship races. That’s what happened for us.”
Austin Gonzalez, the team’s only senior, finished 15th overall in 19:56 earning a spot on the All-District Team. “Austin is a great team leader in practice and on campus. He has given this team valuable senior leadership and has natural abilities to lead people. I couldn’t be more proud of him,” added Dobson.
Gonzalez was followed by one of Jay’s up and coming stars, Chance Thornton (16th-19:59). Seventh grader, Jody Godwin (25th-20:50) continued to impress by finishing third for the Royals. Austin Lang, a junior, improved throughout the season, ran his best race (26th-20:54) and finished fourth for Jay. Eighth grader, Jimmie Ates (28th-21:18), also had his best race of the year and rounded out Jay’s top 5 scoring. Sophomore, Jacob Gonzalez (56th-24:54) completed the Jay Boy’s contingent of runners.
Boys Team Score: Paxton (21), Pensacola Christian Academy (53), Jay (92), Freeport (105), Northview (130), Baker (141), Rocky Bayou (156), Central (no team score, but two individual qualifiers).
The Lady Royals had equally impressive performances, landing 3 on the All-District Team. Freshman, Jillian Thornton finished 3rd overall in a season best time 21:59. Another freshman, Hannah Whitlock, was only a few steps behind and finished a strong 4th overall in 22:07. The other Lady Royal that garnered All-District honors was junior Carsen Arrant who ran a personal season best time of 23:50 and finished in 13th place overall.
“I always expect the girl’s team to do well, but today they did exceptionally well! I’m so proud of how they ran as a team challenging and encouraging one another the entire way,” said Jay Girl’s Head Coach Teresa Dobson. “The whole team had something to prove today. All five of them contributed to their regional qualifying performance,” added Dobson.
Jay’s stellar team performance in the girl’s race led them to a 3rd place finish out of 6 full teams in the district championships.
Seventh grader Emma Barrow, who had been battling an ankle injury, showed poise and determination with a 26:37, good enough for 34th place. Teammate, Grace Gillman rounded out the Lady Royals scoring with a 27:46 for 37th overall.
Girls Team Scores: Baker (38), Rocky Bayou (77), Jay (85), Pensacola Christian Academy (90), Paxton (106), Freeport (113).
The Jay Boys and Girls Teams both qualified to run in next Saturday’s (Nov. 4th) FHSAA 1A-Region 1 Cross Country Championships at the Oaks Equestrian Horse Park in Lake City. Good Luck and GO ROYALS!
