The graduation of Henry Stark from Palmer Trinity has left a significant void in Florida’s Class 1A distance running scene. Stark’s dominant performances, including victories in the 5k XC (15:30.8), 1600m (4:16.76), and 3200m (9:18.02) at the state championships, have set a high bar for the returning athletes. His departure has created an exciting opportunity for a new star to emerge in the distance events. The upcoming season promises to be highly competitive as several talented runners vie for the top spots across cross country and track disciplines.

Here’s the top 10 ranking of returning athletes:

  1. Jonathan Pena (Westminster Academy) Jonathan finished 3rd in the 5k XC (15:57.0) and 2nd in the 1600m (4:18.59) at state championships. He placed 2nd at the Cecil Field Summer Classic.
  2. Blake Young (Indian Rocks Christian) Blake placed 2nd in the 5k XC (15:48.8), 3rd in the 1600m (4:23.55), and 5th in the 3200m (9:33.23) at state level.
  3. Mark Meister (Cambridge Christian) Mark finished 11th in the 5k XC (16:18.0), 7th in the 1600m (4:26.45), and 12th in the 3200m (10:00.03) at state championships. He had a strong run at the Florida Horse Park Invitational.
  4. Tanner Pritchard (Westminster Academy) Tanner placed 27th in the 5k XC (16:46.9) and 16th in the 3200m (10:07.74) at state level.
  5. Damian Spurrier (Wildwood) Damian finished 8th in the 5k XC (16:14.0) at state championships.
  6. Will Neeld (Circle Christian) Will finished 4th in the 5k XC (16:02.1) at state championships. His personal bests include 2:00.47 in the 800m and 4:40.19 in the 1600m.
  7. David Barton (Maclay) David placed 6th in the 3200m (9:33.55) and 15th in the 5k XC (16:22.1) at state level.
  8. Evan Spreitzer (Holy Trinity) Evan placed 7th in the 3200m (9:35.71) and 38th in the 5k XC (17:04.0) at state level.
  9. Joseph Dorn (South Florida HEAT) Joseph finished 17th in the 5k XC (16:28.2) at state championships and competed in the 1600m at state level.
  10. Kevin Gyurka (Out-of-Door) Kevin placed 3rd in the 3200m (9:28.28) and 33rd in the 5k XC (16:56.2) at state championships.