The girls cross country season came to an end last week, with their last race being the Class 4A Region 1 Championship in Jacksonville. The girls ended strong with four out of five girls running their personal best times at regionals. Olivia Lunardi, Carla Chavez-Ramirez, Gianna Lunardi, Rafaela DeMarco and Ava Wetzel were the top five runners of the meet.
The girls raced at 8:30 a.m. They make sure to arrive an hour early so they have optimal time to stretch, warm up, and pray. The team was happy to be together and share such an amazing experience, while also making it so far.
Although they ended at a ninth-place finish, meaning they fell just short of the eighth-place state qualifying spot, they had their best race of the season.
“Missing states by three points really stung,” said senior Olivia Lunardi.
Regardless, the team doesn’t want to let one bad race undermine their season.
“It’s easy to blame yourself when we made it so close, but we win together and lose together, and I know that missing states doesn’t take away from how successful we were this year,” said O. Lunardi.
Despite the season ending sooner than team members may have liked, runners valued their experiences, friendships gained, and lessons learned throughout the season. However, this would be the seniors’ last race on the cross country team.
“It was really sad seeing our seniors end their season, and one of them was my sister, so that was really hard. I think we all finished the season well, though, and everyone gave their all,” said sophomore Gianna Lunardi.
“I am very sad about seeing the seniors race for the last time, but it was really nice to watch them race,” said sophomore Rhea Arumugam.
O. Lunardi transferred to Oviedo High School in August. Though she did not originally plan to place emphasis on cross country, joining the team allowed her to improve both as a runner and a person.
“I started cross country to stay in shape for lacrosse, but this season really changed my mindset about running as a whole, and I would do anything for one more race,” O. Lunardi said. “I will miss these girls and this team so much, and I’m so grateful to have had this season with them.”
The team’s performance is a direct reflection of their practice. The day before their races, they run the course so they know what to expect. The girls make sure they’re fully prepared and ready.
“Personally, I make sure to get in the right headspace and get at least eight hours of sleep the night before,” O. Lunardi said.
“Preparing looks like hydrating days before, getting enough sleep, and eating right. Also trusting our coach and that he’s prepared us well with all the work we’ve put in,” said G. Lunardi.
The team’s coach, Joseph Hazera, helps them run their best and improve. Though he has high expectations, he makes them clear to the team so they can reach them.
“He helps us know that we are working hard and that it is all worth it in the end,” said Arumugam.
“He saw potential in me and believed in me, and I’m forever grateful to have been able to be coached by him,” Olivia Lunardi said.
