LAKELAND — The Shoal River Middle School girls cross country team has bragging rights, having taken a third-place finish at the Nov. 4 middle school state championships in Lakeland.
More than 20 teams and 200 runners competed in the race run on a course of various terrains and challenges.
Four of the seven Shoal River runners finished among the race’s top 50 competitors.
Chelsea Aguilar led the way, finishing 31st in 12 minutes, 50 seconds. She was followed by Amia’h Banks (36th place, 12:54); Patricia Acevedo (41st place, 13:00.20) and Alyssa Johnson (44th, 13:00:70). Jaylah Lawson also scored for the Lady Mustangs, turning in a time of 13:29.
Gracie Gillis had 13:42 and Caelyn Grodoski turned in a 14:56. Also competing in the Open Division was eighth-grader Jazmyn Martinez, who finished second in her age group with 14:41. Caitlin Price, 16:38 and Kailey Johnson, 19:42 joined Martinez in the open division.
Kobe Delgado represented the Shoal River boys and finished 48th with 11:54.
“Shoal River Cross Country Team wants to thank our parents, our school’s student body and faculty, and local businesses for their support and encouragement throughout this season,” a team spokesperson said.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Shoal River girls cross country team places third at state meet