Annabella Tomasic Claims Second FHSAA XC Title in Thrilling Finish

BREAKING: In a stunning display of athleticism, Annabella Tomasic, a ninth grader from Bishop Moore, has just secured her second state title at the FHSAA cross country state championships held on Saturday in Tallahassee. Tomasic dominated the Class 3A final, clocking in an impressive time of 17:35.5 for 5,000 meters, finishing a remarkable 31 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor, Celina Coryell of Satellite, who finished at 18:06.3.

This victory marks Tomasic’s seventh win of the season, showcasing her remarkable consistency and resilience after facing injuries in her previous eighth-grade season. Last year, she won the 2A championship and finished third in 2022. Now, with her switch to Bishop Moore this year, she has led the Hornets to a commendable third-place finish in the team standings, trailing only behind Chiles of Tallahassee and Ponte Vedra.

In other exciting developments, Will Moss, a junior from Montverde Academy, clinched the boys 2A title with a time of 15:35.3. This victory is a significant turnaround for Moss, who finished in 29th place last year with a time of 16:53.5.

Meanwhile, in the 4A division, the long-anticipated showdown between Oviedo and reigning champions Buchholz turned dramatic. Despite Oviedo being favored after defeating Buchholz in the Region 1 race, Buchholz triumphed with a decisive score of 58 points compared to Oviedo’s 103 points. East Ridge junior Axel Sallault finished as the individual runner-up in 4A with a notable time of 15:27.5.

The championship saw intense competition across all classifications, with Horizon senior Jacob Finch placing sixth at 15:48.0 and Oviedo senior Colin Aysun taking seventh at 15:54.8. In the girls’ 4A race, Lake Nona sophomore Arabella Duffell clocked in at 18:36.6, finishing ninth, while East Ridge girls placed fourth overall.

The excitement of the day showcased not only individual talent but also the spirit of competition that defines Florida high school athletics. With the championships now concluded, all eyes turn to next year’s season, where Tomasic and Moss will undoubtedly aim to defend their titles and continue their impressive journeys in cross country.

Stay tuned for more updates as we gather reactions and insights from the athletes and coaches involved in these thrilling races.