In a thrilling display of athleticism at North Collier Regional Park, local high school cross country teams competed in the Private 8 meet. The event saw teams from Bishop Verot, Community School of Naples, St. Francis Catholic Academy, Seacrest Country Day School, First Baptist Academy, Canterbury School, Evangelical Christian School, and our own school taking to the challenging course.
Team Highlights:
The girls’ team finished in 4th place, matching their highest league finish in the history of the Private 8, despite the absence of star runner Kailyn, who was sidelined due to illness. Notable performances included Chelsea Perez, who secured 10th place with a time of 22:16, and Maria O’Reilly, who, along with teammate Alden Conlon, achieved personal records (PRs) on a course that was not conducive to fast times.
Girls’ Results:
– 10th: Chelsea Perez – 22:16
– Emma Collins – 23:19
– Maria O’Reilly – 23:31 (PR)
– Mylee Van de Wouw – 26:09
– Ciara McFadden – 26:19
– Jasmin Lim – 26:34
– Alden Conlon – 27:12 (PR)
The boys’ team made a remarkable comeback, finishing in 3rd place after finishing last the previous year. This marked their highest league finish since the Private 8’s inception. The boys’ team outperformed several ranked competitors, including Southwest Florida Christian (SWFC) and First Baptist Academy, demonstrating significant improvement and teamwork.
Boys’ Results:
– 10th: Issa Issaku – 18:05
– 12th: Thomas O’Brien – 18:22
– Wolfgang Helzel-Breen – 18:55
– Michael Ramundo – 19:04
– Benito Barnhart – 20:01
– Tyler Adams – 20:18
– Nico Gay – 20:23
– Xavier Barnhart – 21:05
– Timothy Nguyen – 21:58
Coach Kyle Rankien praised both teams for their hard work and determination, highlighting their impressive finishes in a challenging environment. The strong performances today not only showcase the athletes’ dedication, but also set the stage for a promising season ahead.
