By Aiden Wacksman

For the past decade, Oak Hall’s cross country and track teams have dominated district, regional, and state competitions. The girls cross country team placed first at the state competition this year, and the boys team placed second at an event that housed the best high school runners in Florida. Austin Montini placed first in the boys 5k run with a time of 15:33, while Lauren Jones placed second in the girls 5k with a time of 18:44. 

The Oak Hall cross country team also participated in the Bobcat Classic at the beginning of this season. The boys team came in second, while the girls team placed first. Austin Montini and Lauren Jones once again dominated their respective divisions.

The mastermind behind Oak Hall’s running success is coach Edwin McTureous, affectionately known as “Coach Mac.” “I was asked to step in and help for one season 22 years ago because the Head Track and Field coach left two weeks before the season started,” McTureous said. “I have been hooked ever since,” he continued. According to McTureous, Oak Hall’s cross country team runs “six to seven days a week, anywhere between three to 10 miles a day.” He encourages the runners to stay hydrated, as it helps reduce muscle fatigue. “My favorite thing about coaching cross country is working with dedicated student athletes,” McTureous said. 

Other great placements by Oak Hall runners this year include Caden Montini placing 14th, Asher Dobrin placing 19th, and Ryland Kane placing 28th at the boys state competition. In the girls division, Sydney Miller placed seventh, Gabby Aulisio placed 13th, Ally Means placed 15th, and Harrison Grooms placed 19th. Each of these runners had similar placements at the Bobcat Classic.

Congratulations to Oak Hall’s cross country team for another outstanding year!

Photo courtesy of Shailey Klein