As we gear up for the Katie Caples Invitational this weekend, here are the top three storylines we’re excited to follow:

1. Bolles Boys vs. Buchholz: A Clash of Titans

This matchup promises to be a highlight of the event. Bolles, the reigning 2A state champions and top-ranked team, will face off against Buchholz, the number one ranked team in 4A. Last year, Bolles edged out Buchholz 81 to 85 at this very event. Here’s what to watch:

  • Bolles: Currently the top-ranked team in 2A, they’re led by Parker Adams, who won the Duval 5K Cross Country Challenge in 16:09 and boasts impressive track credentials (3200m: 8:58).
  • Buchholz: The number 1 ranked team in 4A features:

    • Demetrie Meyers (Jr): A transfer from PA who finished 4th at Florida Horse Park last year with a 15:29. Ran 9:21 for 2 miles on the track.
    • Samuel Freas (Jr): Finished 10th at Florida Horse Park (16:00). Placed 7th in the 3200m at track state meet with a time of 9:25.

While not competing in this race, Bishop Verot, another strong 2A team, provides context for the level of competition Bolles faces in their classification. Bishop Verot opened their season at North Port with a win and an impressive team average of 16:13 on a fast course, setting a high bar for 2A performances this season.

2. Battle for 2A Dominance Among Jacksonville Schools

The girls’ competition is set to be fierce, with last year’s top three teams all hailing from Jacksonville:

  1. Bishop Kenny (defending 2A state champions)
  2. Bolles (perennial powerhouse)
  3. Episcopal

These teams are currently ranked 1-2-3 in the FACA rankings, setting the stage for an intense battle for local supremacy.

3. Annabella Tomasic’s Quest for Improvement

Can the 2023 2A State champion beat her impressive 17:48 from last season? What makes this even more remarkable is that Tomasic is only an 8th grader, showcasing incredible potential for her future in the sport. She has already run sub-18 this season at the Hawks on the Hill XC open. She’ll face stiff competition from:

  • Sophia Stam and Estella Bruneau of Bolles
  • Tessa Massa of Bishop Kenny

This race will provide a great preview of the 2A competition to come and a chance to see a young phenom in action.

Stay tuned for results, which will be available on 1stplacesports.com after the event!