Local Runners Advance to State, Youthful Teams Show Promising Growth

Athletes from Coral Shores, Marathon and Key West competed at regional championships earlier in November, and several runners from Monroe County will move on to the Florida state cross country meet in Tallahassee. Coral Shores sophomore Ali Wheatley earned an at large berth, and Marathon boys qualified as a team, continuing a more than decade long run of state appearances for the Dolphins. Other local teams recorded personal bests and measurable improvement that underscore program development across the island chain.

Wheatley placed seventh overall in her regional race with a 19 minute 38 second finish, securing one of four individual slots available to advance. Her performance marked a milestone after narrowly missing an at large spot last season, and it will send the sophomore to Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee for the state meet on November 22.

Coral Shores finished 13th as a team, falling short of the top eight threshold for team qualification but showing clear progress across the roster. The Lady Hurricanes closed their campaign with improved times and a returning lineup that includes Kate King at 22 minutes 27 seconds, Aria Booton at 24 minutes 36 seconds, Tess Hill at 24 minutes 39 seconds, Olive Welch at 24 minutes 43 seconds, Isabelle Jacobs at 25 minutes 38 seconds, and Hayden Teal at 26 minutes 32 seconds. Every runner on the Coral Shores roster will return next season, providing continuity for head coach Lyndie Meyers to build on this season's gains.

Marathon High produced mixed results with notable successes. The Lady Fins placed 15th in the Class 1A race, led by seventh grader Molly Joly who finished 32nd overall in 22 minutes 10 seconds. Marathon head coach Helena Bursa, in her first season, saw marked improvement across the girls roster and will retain the entire team for next year. The Marathon boys secured a fifth place team finish at regionals, qualifying for states for the 11th consecutive year. Freshman Lucian Burns led the Dolphins in 12th place at 17 minutes 20 seconds, followed closely by Tony Bursa in 13th at 17 minutes 28.7 seconds. Allan Taylor, Caleb Shelar, Anthony Vargas, Landon Anderson and Thomas Torres completed the scoring group for Marathon.

Key West completed the regional field with a notable district upset that earned the Conchs the final team slot at regionals. The young Key West squad set several personal records at the meet. Sawyer Hill ran a personal best of 18 minutes 35 seconds, improving by 20 seconds. Senior captain Prometheus Delacerda posted a 35 second personal best to finish in 18 minutes 37 seconds. Alejandro Caridad, Colin Palomino and Charlie Delashmit also contributed strong showings, with Delashmit cutting 45 seconds from his prior best.

The local results have implications beyond individual finishes. Marathon boys will carry community expectations and continuity to Tallahassee, while Coral Shores and Marathon girls return full rosters that strengthen program stability and youth development in Monroe County. Key West’s emergence as a competitive young team offers a foundation for future seasons under head coach Keara McGraw. With state competition set for November 22, local supporters and school communities will be watching as Monroe County runners represent the Florida Keys on the statewide stage.