By Kate Kimmel
The Fernandina Beach High School girls and boys cross-country teams both placed first at the 7th annual Coach Hope Memorial Invitational on Saturday at The Golf Club of Amelia Island.
The Pirates hosted nine other schools — St. Francis, Baldwin, Yulee, Baker County, West Nassau, University Christian, Temple Christian, Hilliard and Hamilton County — for the meet, which honors the late Denise Harbin, a longtime FBHS guidance counselor and cross-country coach.
The girls’ team dominated, claiming the top three spots. Jillian Loucks won in 20 minutes, 44 seconds, followed by Grace Scuderi (21:21) and Laella Reedy (22:35).
“Winning the team title again is nice as it validates all the hard work the girls are putting in with their 6 a.m. practices,” girls coach Dave Reinhart said.
On the boys’ side, John William Martin placed first in 17:59, while teammate Malik Ravenell took third in 19:13.
Medals went to the top 15 finishers in each race, with FBHS athletes earning seven on the girls’ side and five on the boys’. Baker County finished second in the boys’ standings, while West Nassau took runner-up in the girls’ race.
“We had great support from the community, including a number of volunteers to help with course set-up and management of the race,” boys coach Michael Kimmel said. “We wouldn’t be able to put on an invitational like this without them.”
Medals were presented by Harbin’s husband, Jay, and veteran coach Roy Benson.
kkimmel@nassaunewsline.net
