October 11 2026
The cancellation of our FSU Pre-States trip was disappointing, no doubt about it. For juniors and seniors this was the second time they saw this event scrapped due to weather. On the bright side, this opened the door to an alternative we wouldn’t have otherwise considered: the first ever JAC Cross Country Invitational. On a difficult course, two of our athletes produced season-best times—a reminder that progress doesn’t depend on perfect plans, but on making the most of every opportunity.
This week, we head into what is typically the fastest race of our season. It’s tempting to look at a fast course, favorable conditions, and the prospect of personal records as a signal that everything needs to come together right now- an easy mistake to make, especially with so many runners setting their PRs at this race. It’s important to remember that the work that produces great performances is a process. Fitness is built over months of consistent training, recovery, fueling, and commitment. One race great PR race doesn’t create that fitness, just as one canceled race doesn’t erase it.
This weekend, race with confidence. Take advantage of the course and the competition. Be aggressive when the opportunity presents itself, compete for every place, and give yourself the chance to run fast. But remember that a personal record is a result, not the purpose of the process.
This is where the season begins to change.
We are no longer simply building toward something in the distant future. Districts, Regions, and State are approaching, and every decision we make now should prepare us to compete at our best for these races that matter the most. This weekend’s fast course is an opportunity to notch an all time best, not a final season destination. We want to run fast, but we also want to leave with the confidence, composure, and momentum to carry into the postseason, whether that is the JV Championships or the run-up to State.
We don't need to force our best performances to happen this weekend. We need to keep developing the team that can deliver them when the stakes are highest. Trust the work we've done, take care of the details, and stay committed to one another, your training plans and coaches. The goal isn't simply to arrive at the postseason. It's to arrive fully prepared.
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JAC Cross Country Invitational Recap
14 runners with a sense of adventure and a desire to compete took on a completely unknown course on Saturday at the William F. Sheffield Regional Park regional park in Jacksonville. Greeted by terrain that was largely underwater but also a long overdue break in the rain, these intrepid athletes ran a course they won’t soon forget. Cailyn Douglas ran an 11 second PR going under 20 minutes for the first time. James Makey, with a pacing assist from Liam Heffernan, also earned a fresh PR. Other runners included Aiden Killoran, Camden Chatraw, Ethan LaVasser, David Lawrence, Landon Coy, Jasper Graham, Ella Halverson, Olivia Kaminsky, Madeline Makey, Nora Rubocki and Chelsea Nelson.
While course conditions were tough due to all the rain, we think we have found a great alternative for athletes not attending FSU next year. On a dry day this looks to be a fast course.
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New World Fall Spectacular, Cecil Field — Race Schedule Saturday 10/17
7:30 AM — Girls Elite
8:00 AM — Boys Elite
9:30 AM — JV Girls
10:00 AM — JV Boys
Bus times, ticket links and other info will be sent out midweek.
SAVE THE DATE!
END OF YEAR BANQUET - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1ST, EVENING
PONTE VEDRA HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, Time TBD
