October 18 2026
New World is always an exciting race. Always full of PRs, from massive breakthroughs to improvements of just a few seconds. Always a good day for the team as a whole. This year was no exception, with plenty of PRs and season bests, including a new school 5K record by senior Luke Ross.
It wasn't difficult to find athletes who excelled. It's easy to talk about and celebrate great performances, as we do in the race recap.
What's a little harder is talking about the so-so and disappointing performances. These athletes worked just as hard, or harder, than their teammates who excelled. They got up just as early, paid attention to the little details, and toed the same starting line. They wanted a great race just as much.
But not every race goes the way we hope. That's part of running, and part of life. One disappointing day doesn't erase the work you've put in or define what you're capable of. Sometimes, those are the days that teach us the most—about ourselves, about what we need to work on, and about how to respond when things don't go our way.
Whether you crush the day or simply refuse to quit, it all counts. The great days give us reasons to celebrate. The tough days give us opportunities to learn, grow, and come back stronger. Both are part of the process, and both matter.
New World Fall Spectacular Race Recaps
Elite Girls Race Recap by Coach Browning
10 girls participated in the Elite race under a cool overcast sky. Senior Savannah LaVasser took the early lead for Ponte Vedra but it was freshman Piper Ross who had the Sharks' best time on this day, finishing 25th overall in a deeply talented and record-setting field. Piper recorded a new PR of 18:36 while Savannah matched her season's best time, with senior Olivia Kaminsky finishing in between the two and also matching her best time of the season with a 19:08.
The other finishers did not disappoint, with fresh PR's recorded by juniors Cailyn Douglas (19:47) and Phoebe Litwack (20:07). Seniors Layann Issa (20:55) and Rio Ossi (20:07) as well as junior Bobbie Ross (20:33) matched their season's best, with Rio and Phoebe crossing the finish line together. Senior Harlee Howton (21:15) and sophomore Mary Chase Fender (21:52) rounded out the team’s efforts.
JV Girls Race Recap by Coach Bella
Yesterday, our JV Girl runners competed in their second-to-last meet of the season at New World. The race featured a fast field and provided an excellent opportunity for our athletes to showcase their progress, resulting in many outstanding performances.
Race conditions were ideal, with cool temperatures, cloud cover, and smooth
grassy terrain. Our top three Ponte Vedra finishers all achieved new personal
bests. Lucy Lommel was the first Shark across the finish line, leading our team
with a strong and confident performance from start to finish. Gianna Dreckman
was our second finisher and raced with determination, steadily moving up
through the field throughout the competition. Sasha Chandlee rounded out our
top three, placing fifth overall and recording an impressive personal best by
more than a minute.
The girls' team earned an outstanding second-place finish overall, showing the training we have been putting in over the past few weeks.
Of the 27 Ponte Vedra runners who competed, 18 either matched or set new
personal bests, a testament to the hard work and commitment these athletes have
shown throughout the season. You can see those new times listed below:
Lucy Lommel pr 20:41 ---> 38 sec
Giana Dreckmam pr 20:46 ---> 45 sec
Sasha Chandlee pr 21:20 ---> 1:09 min
Charlotte Somppi pr 22:01 ---> TIED
Ava Rihlmann pr 22:38 ---> 29 sec
Madeline Makey pr 22:46 - 24:20 ---> 1:34 min
Emily Pak pr 23:08 ---> 43 sec
Taylor Bestic pr 23:11 ---> 10 sec
Siobhan Barket pr 23:25 ---> 4 sec
Ella Marshall pr 24:53 ---> 2:32 min
Lainie Cadieu-George pr 25:19 ---> 51 sec
Chelsea Nelson pr 25:55 - 28:12 ---> 2:17
Ella Puzey pr 26:11 ---> 32 sec
Brooklynn Reeves pr 26:13 ---> 55 sec
Lara Gerber pr 27:15 ---> 14 sec
Charlotte Hartman pr 27:18 ---> 20 sec
Ali Colteryahn pr 27:25 ---> 15 sec
Elizabeth Mayer pr 29:00 ---> 46 sec
JV Boys Race Recap by Coach Coy
Ponte Vedra Sharks JV Boys Cross Country: A Massive Day of PRs!
The Ponte Vedra High School Sharks JV Boys cross-country team had an outstanding day of racing, highlighted by a massive number of personal records (PRs) and a lights-out performance from sophomore Rafe Lommel, who captured 1st place overall with an incredible time of 17:02!
Rafe delivered a statement performance, putting together an exceptional race that sealed his fate for the postseason. His first-place finish demonstrated the hard work, confidence, and competitive drive he has built throughout the season. It's exciting to see his training pay off as he positions himself for the postseason!
Sophomore Cooper Murray continued the strong showing with a 13th-place finish in 17:47, followed by senior Camden Chatraw, who placed 23rd in 18:14. Junior Camden McCooey crossed the line in 18:32 for 33rd place, while freshman James Makey finished 36th in 18:34. Freshmen Jackson Janus (18:46) and Ethan LaVasser (18:48) rounded out the top seven Sharks, finishing 44th and 45th, respectively.
The depth of this JV squad was on full display, with 29 athletes competing and runners representing every grade level. From the front of the pack to the final finishers, the Sharks demonstrated determination, resilience, and a commitment to getting better.
One of the biggest highlights of the day was the massive number of personal records set across the team! These PRs represent countless miles of training, consistent effort, and teammates pushing one another to reach new levels. Every personal best is a victory, and seeing so many athletes achieve new milestones speaks volumes about the culture and momentum building within the program.
Congratulations to the entire JV Boys team on an excellent day of racing! We are proud of these young men and look forward to seeing them carry this momentum into the postseason and beyond. Thank you to our families and supporters for cheering on the Sharks all season long.
All In – All Out – All Season! 🦈
SAVE THE DATE!
END OF YEAR BANQUET - TUESDAY, DECEMBER 1ST, EVENING
PONTE VEDRA HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM, Time TBD
