The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School women’s cross country team advanced to the Florida School Athlete Association State Championship on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the regional championship at Tropical Park, Miami.
After the women placed second and the men placed eighth at districts, both teams advanced to the regional competition. At regionals, the women’s placed in sixth, and the men’s placed 16th.
On the women’s team, senior Ella Schwartz finished first for the MSD girls with the time of 21.23.52. She was soon followed by sophomore Olympia Koumoutsaki, sophomore Sparta Koumoutsaki, freshman Caroline Schwartz, senior Esther Bang, junior Mikayla Ryan and junior Morgan Melchiorri.
“Overall I think we did really well, we have been training really hard this season,” Melchiorri said. “Our top 5 runners came in under 24 which is amazing, and I am really proud of us and can’t wait to go to states.”
On the men’s team, the first finisher was Coby Alhadeff with the time 18.34.94, and soon after was followed by Matthew Rosenberg with the time of 18.37.39. They were then followed by sophomore Caleb Walker, freshman Kyle Pan, senior Joseph Cardinale, senior Matthew Nason and junior Miguel Martinez.
“We set specific goals back in June for boys and girls teams that they executed throughout the summer,” Head Coach Mike Mauro said “It’s hard to put into words how proud I am of the entire team, but specifically how proud I am of the girl’s dedication and execution all season long,”
Looking ahead, the state cross country race will be hosted by FHSAA at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee on Nov. 17. The women’s team will be attending states, and will be bringing Sofia Kaplan as an alternate. The team is hoping for a win to make up for not making states last year.
