MileSplit's FLRunners.com Invitational 8 Presented by Nike Meet Coverage
There were lots of exciting races over the last two days! Friday was windy and rainy but that didn't stop the great races and good times. Of course, we concluded Friday night on a high note by welcoming Alan Webb, Jim Ryun and Keith Brantly for those lucky enough to have stuck around. Saturday morning Race of Champions lived up to the hype with the mega-team battles with most of the best teams in the state of Florida (and some beyond) in attendance.
Episcopal girls upset Eleanor Roosevelt, Maryland in a nail-biter. ER was really tough up front by after five runners it was Episcopal by an eight point margin. Our Lady of Lourdes, who defeated #20 nationally Lake Braddock VA last week, was third with BK in a close fourth. Community School of Naples had an incredible week with their fifth place finish and Lake Highland (with Allie Prendergast back healthy) was a close sixth. Emilie Amaro, as expected, pulled off the individual title--her first ROC win and a season best time.
The Boys ROC contained almost every top team in the state of Florida in a battle royale! It was Tampa Jesuit holding off a surging Ferguson for the win, with a team average of 16:46 and a 61 second 1-5 split. Ferguson had a great race bettering their performance from last week (and scoring their top five) to defeat the mighty Bishop Kenny. Belen Jesuit and Pensacola Washington rounded out the top five.
In the individual battle it was Guillermo Echarte leading for basically the entire race, coming into the final stretch he had a decent margin and it looked to be his. But as Bryan Suarez's mighty kick came on, it was fatigue for Echarte. Guillermo would hold on for second but Bryan Suarez got his first major meet win! He's looked great all year and it's awesome to see him come away with one on this big stage. Eric Larson (after falling at one point in the race) was on Guillermo's heals for third, with Derek Wehunt just behind him. And then they just kept coming....! Great race!!
More summaries and coverage coming.
Here are the results. Lots of photos coming tonight on FLRunners.com.
