A look at what to expect from the upcoming season of boys’ high-school cross country

The Geneva School’s Grey Gibson

Apopka Blue Darters

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Seniors expected to run for the Blue Darters in 2017 include Calen Kozera, Joshua Moody and Meshar Rogers-Prince. They’ll be joined by juniors Ayman Thanawala, Christopher Mosley, Isaiah Wint, Ryan Kempsey and others.

OUTLOOK: In 2016, Apopka Coach Brian Axon, who also coaches the girls’ team, lead the varsity boys’ team to sixth place at the District 4A-3 championship, but the squad was unable to power through to the state finals. They’ll have a lot of returning players with more experience this year, though, which could make all the difference.

Boone Braves

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Returning Braves will include seniors Michael Collins, Thomas Fletcher, Reid Marlett, Parker Fluke and Eric Tormanen; juniors Jake Colvin and Will Daniel; and sophomores Charlie Bramuchi, Michael Fabrizio and Jackson Snead.

OUTLOOK: “While we lose our top two runners from 2016 due to graduation, we return a strong contingent of underclassmen looking to step up in 2017,” says Boone Coach Brandon Roush. “We also expect to see significant contributions from incoming freshmen. The boys continue to do all the little things right as we look to improve on our success from 2016. We expect to see significant growth in our returning group from where they finished last season.”

Celebration Storm

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “At the moment, our lineup will consist of these returning athletes: Ayoub Mahdar, Cote Strike, Zouhair Chouait, Daniel Albino [and] Alejandro Uriostegui,” says Storm Coach Gerardo Dorta. “Some of our new talent consists of Joshua Steelman, Eric Arzola and Viny Castro-Bucheli.”

OUTLOOK: “We have a great group of veterans and young talent this year,” says Dorta. “I have begun our conditioning workouts, and I must say I am impressed. These kids are coming together early, which is a great sign for things to come. Our team captain, Cote Strike, is doing a great job with leading the young guys in the right direction.”

Circle Christian Centurions

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Top players returning to the boys’ Centurion cross-country team include Josh Workowski, Jack DeJesus, Noah Mitchell, Christopher Haak and Alex Haak. Newcomer Stephen Graham is also expected to be a factor in the team’s successes.

OUTLOOK: “A young and talented team looks to return to the state championships this season following a two-year absence,” says Circle Christian Coach Mark Caulfield, who also runs the girls’ program at the school. The team still had a decent outing last year, placing at No. 4 at the District 1A-9 championship and No. 8 in Region 3 competition.

Colonial Grenadiers

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “Our boys’ team will be led by [junior] Moises Montalvo, who finished at 17th at district, and the rest of our boys are coming back again,” says Grenadiers Coach Nathan Whaley, who pulls double duty with the girls’ team. Other runners expected back include juniors Carlos Carruego and Avion Dix.

OUTLOOK: “[All of this year’s squad has] been with us since freshman year,” says Whaley. “They’re looking to improve upon their record. Each meet last year, they [got better and better] past metro.” Accordingly, the team will be looking to exceed last year’s ranking as District 4A-4’s No. 9 team.

Cypress Creek Bears

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Bears runners expected to participate in the 2017 cross-country season include seniors Andrey Diaz, Bruno Delgado, Carlos Cabret and Justin Lopez, as well as incoming juniors Christopher Duran and Noah Dunbar.

OUTLOOK: “Our team is in a rebuilding process,” says Michael Allred, who coaches the boys’ and girls’ teams at Cypress Creek. He further notes that he’s confident of a motivated boys’ team. Given that the school’s runners had limited success at the 4A-4 district championship and saw no players advance to the regional or state championships, a rebuilding year could be just what they need.

Dr. Phillips Panthers

PLAYERS TO WATCH: According to Laura Kirkikis, who coaches the boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams at Dr. Phillips, incoming senior Bo Ivey will be a key member of this year’s squad. Also expected to shine is returning junior Joshua Matzner.

OUTLOOK: “We are hoping to advance a full team to the state meet,” says Kirkikis. “We are looking forward to a great year in cross country.” Although they didn’t have much of an impact at the regional level and failed to advance to state as a team, look for them to try and expand their reach in 2017.

East River Falcons

PLAYERS TO WATCH: According to Falcons Coach Chelsea John, who also heads the girls’ team, incoming junior Shawn Aring will be one of the top returning players on this year’s squad. He’s expected to be joined by fellow juniors Dustin Newton and Ramon Rivera, as well as sophomore Nehemiah Tice.

OUTLOOK: “I am looking forward to this season,” says John. The boys’ squad finished in seventh place at last year’s 3A-6 district championship, but they were unable to make a mark at regionals. With returning players having more experience and some eager newcomers, they have a good shot at going further this year.

Edgewater Eagles

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “My assistant coach and I are very excited to see what [junior] William Stratton and [senior] Holden Young are going to run during our preseason race,” says Alexa Corbo, who coaches the boys’ and girls’ cross-country squads for the Eagles. “They have been training hard already, and they are set to have a very promising season ahead of them.”

OUTLOOK: “Our upcoming season will include some of our old favorite courses, such as West Orange, Astronaut and Disney,” says Corbo, “and we are excited to explore new races such as the invitational at Winter Springs and Windermere.”

Evans Trojans

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Like their female cross-country counterparts, only one member of Evans’ male cross-country squad placed at 2016’s District 4A-3 championship: Joshua Morain, who finished at No. 67 and will be back as a junior. Seniors will include Daryl Tramel, Malik Glover and Stanley Mentor.

OUTLOOK: The Trojans have almost nowhere to go but up this season, being unable to rank as a team on the district level and accordingly missing out on the regional and state competitions. If their returners managed to beef up their speed and endurance during the off-season, though, it could make a world of difference.

The First Academy Royals

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Jackson Bisienere posted The First Academy’s fastest time for a non-senior at last year’s district tournament, and he’s expected back as a junior this year. Also slated to return are senior Mitchell Allen and sophomore Rafe Thomas.

OUTLOOK: Although The First Academy’s boys’ cross-country team didn’t have quite the same level of success as their female counterparts in 2016, they were no slouches, either, coming in at No. 3 at the District 1A-10 championship. It will take stronger play from returning runners and a spark of inspiration from newcomers to take them further this year.

Freedom Patriots

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “The team will include returning veterans [Timothy Doyle], Logan Monzillo and Stephen Gonzalez,” says Patriots Coach Leonard Malech. “Newcomers Ryan Gonzalez, Nhan Pham, Quadry White and Omar Valle will round out the team.” Doyle and Monzillo will be running as seniors.

OUTLOOK: “Last year, Timothy Doyle (double state champion at 1,600 meters) finished eighth in the 4A state championship race,” says Malech. “He will be training hard so he can try and finish in the top three this season. … In 2015, we were eighth [overall in Class 4A] and in 2016, 12th.” The boys’ team also placed second in District 4 and sixth in Region 1.

Geneva Knights

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Many of the Knights’ top cross-country runners from 2016 graduated at the end of the year, which portends a rebuilding season for the school. One of the newest varsity players is expected to be among the best, though: Clayton Smith, who will be running as a freshman after success with the middle-school squad.

OUTLOOK: While Geneva’s middle-school track program had a very successful 2016 and looks to repeat, the school’s boys’ varsity team is no slouch, either, having placed third overall at last year’s 1A-9 district meet and 11th at regionals. Building on that success might be difficult with so many experienced runners gone, but not impossible.

Jones Tigers

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Edward Urbano was arguably the fastest cross-country runner for the Tigers last season, having placed at No. 37 at the District 2A-8 championship with a time of 19:58.30. He should be back this year, and he’ll be joined by fellow junior Jelani Moreno, plus sophomores Christian Rither and Devan Upshaw.

OUTLOOK: Jones’ male cross-country team finished in eighth place at 2016’s district tournament, but they were unable to go any further. With a little luck—and proper off-season conditioning on the part of returning players—they could realistically see considerable improvement in the new year.

Lake Highland Preparatory School’s boys’ cross country team

Lake Highland Prep Highlanders

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Highlanders Coach Rudy Chihak pinpoints Jonah Gottschalk, Gavin Addeo, Vincent Menozzi, Carter Rowe, Jai Phillips and Tristan Cockerell as players who will lead the Highlanders’ charge. “Combined, these student-athletes have a 24-second spread—one of the best in the state,” he adds.

OUTLOOK: “The boys’ cross-country team will continue their growth with record numbers this year,” says Chihak. “Our goal is to build confidence for team leaders to run towards the front of the pack.” Chihak adds that the team’s current projection is a sixth-place finish at the Class 2A state competition, as the squad has been in the state’s top 10 for the last six years.

Lake Howell Silverhawks

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “Despite losing great senior leadership, Lake Howell is bringing back a dynamic group of underclassmen that are eager to compete,” says Silverhawks Coach John Rothrock, who also mentors the girls’ team. Some of the squad’s best returning runners are expected to include sophomore Xa Maisonave-Muniz, senior Noah Mink and sophomore Nezaret Echevarria.

OUTLOOK: Lake Howell’s boys’ team only managed a 10th-place finish at 2016’s District 4A-2 tournament, and the only team member who placed at the Region 1 competition was a since-graduated senior. They accordingly have their work cut out for them, but grit and determination can make a big difference.

Lake Mary Prep Griffins

PLAYERS TO WATCH: As noted by Lake Mary Prep Athletic Director Justin Varitek, Jason Gaston was one of the school’s two regional qualifiers in 2016, and he’ll return as a senior this season. He’ll be joined by former middle-school phenom Quentin Graves, who will run for the varsity team as a freshman this year.

OUTLOOK: Varitek makes it clear that both Griffins squads will be looking to qualify for regionals as teams this season. Given that the boys finished in sixth place at last year’s District 1A-9 tournament, that goal certainly isn’t out of reach in 2017.

Lake Nona Lions

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “The team is returning our top runner, last year’s state medalist Roberto Castro,” says Lake Nona Coach Ryan Lowe. “We also have the following varsity lettermen returning: Gabriel Kress, Kenneth Williams, Mateo Hanchi, Jack Wittmayer, David Phillips, Manny Ramos, Dominik Prieto and Aiden Earnest.”

OUTLOOK: “With such a large group of returning athletes, the team is looking to earn a berth in the state championship,” says Lowe. Considering the squad’s successes last year—including fourth place at the District 4A-4 tournament and 14th at the Region 1 competition—that goal is certainly attainable.

The Master’s Academy Hunter Prince

The Master’s Academy Eagles

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “We have a lot of rising stars,” says The Master’s Academy Coach Margie Morris, who heads up the boys’ and girls’ teams. Top players on the boys’ 2017 squad include junior Esdras Camacho and senior Hunter Prince.

OUTLOOK: “We are on our second year of double-digit turnout,” says Morris. Although the school’s male cross-country team placed eighth at 2016’s District 1A-9 tournament and saw only one runner (Camacho) place at the Region 3 competition, finding ways to improve squad members’ speed and conditioning might be all they need for greater glory.

Oak Ridge Pioneers

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Finishing at No. 20 in last year’s District 4A-4 competition, Daniel Marrero is expected to rejoin the squad as a senior in 2017. Also likely to return are sophomore Wesley Blanc, senior Joshua Modeste and senior Wood Pierre.

OUTLOOK: Oak Ridge’s male cross-country team didn’t exactly set the world on fire last season, finishing in seventh place at districts and not making a dent at the Region 1 match. Still, they displayed a lot of heart, which will surely be the case again this year.

Ocoee Knights

PLAYERS TO WATCH: The Knights lost their best runner to graduation following the 2016 season, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be bereft of talent this year. Look for sophomore James Cummins to improve his speed and endurance, with junior Dylan Weidman and senior Matthew Estrella providing leadership.

OUTLOOK: The boys’ cross-country team finished in eighth place at last year’s District 4A-3 tournament, which wasn’t good enough to extend their season. With Cummins in the lead, though, Ocoee’s young squad could see much improvement as they prepare for the new season.

Olympia Titans

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “Returning point-earners O’Neel Occenat, Chris Johnson and Troy O’Toole will use their experience to lead the team,” says Coach Stephanie Manny, who heads the boys’ and girls’ programs at Olympia, “with Captain Will Marberry, Bruno Chionha, Ahmed Jafri, Daniel Leongomez and Michael Gerber all vying for a spot in the top seven.”

OUTLOOK: “Coming off their [Class] 9A eighth-place finish at state last year as well as district and metro championships, the Titan boys look to continue the success of the Olympia cross-country program,” says Manny. The team also finished fifth at 2016’s Region 1 tournament.

Timber Creek Wolves

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Wolves Coach JulieAnne Halsey, who heads the boys’ and girls’ teams, pinpoints senior Jonah Norfleet and junior Diego Rivera as the cross-country runners most likely to have a big impact on the team’s fortunes in 2017.

OUTLOOK: “Despite graduating five of the seven varsity runners from the 2016 team, the boys’ team is looking strong with returners Diego Rivera and Jonah Norfleet leading the pack,” says Halsey. “The boys will be rounded out with a few young-but-promising returning athletes.” Timber Creek competes in District 4A-4, and they were district and Region 1 champions last season, finishing seventh at the Class 4A state meet.

Trinity Prep Saints

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Trent Turbyfill, who posted the fastest time for a non-graduating Trinity Prep runner at last year’s District 2A-8 tournament, will be back as a senior. He’ll be joined by twin brothers Kayamo and Mamush Galloway, who finished right behind him in that race as freshmen, as well as senior Richard Woodruff and others.

OUTLOOK: The Saints had an outstanding 2016, taking first place not just in their district but also in the Region 2 and state tournaments, making them the Class 2A champs. Although they lost some key runners to graduation, a solid core of the team will be back, giving them an excellent shot of defending their titles against all comers.

University Cougars

PLAYERS TO WATCH: As a freshman, Andrew Acosta posted University’s best time at the District 4A-4 championship, which was good for 32nd place, and he’s slated to return this year. Joining him will be returning seniorsNicolas Gonzales, Tyler Santiago, Christian Oquendo and Anthony Sparks.

OUTLOOK: There’s no sugarcoating the fact that the Cougars had a rough outing in 2016, finishing in eighth place in the competitive 4A-4 district, which wasn’t good enough to secure a spot at the Region 1 championship. It will be a good year for Acosta to further hone his skills in preparation for becoming the team’s presumed leader in 2018.

Wekiva Mustangs

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “Our top returning athlete is … soon-to-be junior and captain, Matthew Bergschneider,” says Mustangs Coach Erica Weitz, who heads the boys’ and girls’ teams. Weitz says that other star returners will include juniors Jeffrey Telson, Terrance Jones, Christopher Brown, Elijah Jackson, Romel Nauth and Guerlins Francois.

OUTLOOK: “Last year, [Bergschneider] started off the season, running his first 5K in 19:27,” says Weitz. “In his last race, regionals, which he qualified for, he bumped his personal record from a 17:50 to a 17:01. He finished first for Wekiva High School in each meet he competed in.” Bergschneider will therefore be a lynchpin in the Mustangs’ future successes.

West Orange Warriors

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “[We will] return the top three runners: Artise Lewis, Cole Miller and Jake Vickers,” says West Orange boys/girls’ cross-country coach Christopher Boston, who also adds that they’re losing a couple of key runners to Windermere High School, which will open in the fall of 2017.

OUTLOOK: In addition to the aforementioned players, Boston sees big things in store for RaJay Preddie, who had a great freshman year and will be back as a senior. He also says that Miller, who was one of the top 1,600 and 3,200-meter runners last year will be looking to go further in 2017. If that happens, and Lewis stays healthy and fresh throughout the season, Boston says, “…we could actually have a chance to have two boys in the 16s and three others in the low 17s.”

Winter Park High School’s Sterling Anderson

Winter Park Wildcats

PLAYERS TO WATCH: “We only have one senior, Matthew Kaczajda, and he’s our top returner,” says Wildcats Coach Will Anguish. “He was on our 4×800 team this spring in track that finished fifth at state. He works incredibly hard and has improved significantly each year.” Anguish adds that they’ll field several juniors who are relatively new to the sport, including Thomas Scartz, Connor Callahan, Sam Freed, Hector Rhoads and Sterling Anderson.

OUTLOOK: “It will be an interesting year for us,” says Anguish. “We have a really hard-working team, but they’re pretty inexperienced.” As a result, the team might not be able to match the successes they achieved last season, but they’ll certainly give it their all.

This article originally appeared in Orlando Family Magazine’s July 2017 issue.