The Harriers welcomed wet weather on Saturday as they hosted the Bay Area Middle School Cross Country Championships at Carrollwood Village Millennium Park in Tampa.  After the cancellation of the Disney meet the week prior due to Hurricane Matthew, the runners were poised and ready to fight for the title of Best in the Bay Area.  Spectators lined the course in ponchos while shouting for the athletes from under their umbrellas.  Even though the runners had to contend with thick, wet grass and puddles, the rain boosted their energy with 23 Harriers earning new personal records.

“It felt good…it was cool and a nice temperature,” said girls’ race winner, Jacquelyn Abanses who completed the 3k in 11:08.

The girls’ team placed 2nd while competing against multiple teams from across six counties.

The boys’ team won first place to become the 2016 Bay Area Champs with Harrier Zach Harrigan (10:30, new PR) leading the pack.  A few of the boys mentioned the cold and wet weather contributing to their fast times.

“I PR’d 57 seconds!” said 6th grader Aaron Cherry excitedly.

“I beat my (3k) track PR!” added teammate Oscar Brown.

Results can be found here.

There are two more meets left this season with Nature Coast on October 22nd and the State Championship meet on October 29th.

Coach Brian Caplinger exclaimed, “We are right on target for a great peak at State!”

The Junior Harriers dominated the elementary K-3 one-mile race winning 5 spots in the top 10 including first place overall winner Brock Glover in 6:56!