Miami continues to showcase its athletic talent as the Belen Jesuit boys’ cross-country team clinched its 22nd consecutive regional championship with an impressive performance. Competing under demanding heat conditions, the Wolverines managed to secure the school’s 28th regional title at the Region 4-3A meet held at South Fork High School in Stuart.
The team demonstrated remarkable cohesion and strength throughout the race, finessing a perfect score of 15 points by sweeping the top five spots against 110 runners from 16 teams. Sophomore Armando Cruz surged ahead at the finish line to claim the individual title with a time of 16:10. He was followed closely by senior Joseph Socarras in second at 16:10.20, senior Diego Magarino in third at 16:10.30, senior Justin Ruiz in fourth with 16:10.40, and sophomore Marcelo Mantecon rounding out the top five at 16:10.50.
This victory marks the Wolverines’ 52nd consecutive trip to the FHSAA State Championships, which are set to take place this Saturday at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. The team is optimistic about aiming for their eighth consecutive state title, which would set a new record for the most consecutive team championships in any sport.
In other local results at the meet, Pembroke Pines Charter’s Alejandro De Bastos finished sixth with a time of 16:13.30, while Dillard’s Joshua Gammage was seventh at 16:14.90. The Belen boys showed outstanding unity and perseverance, setting the bar high for their upcoming state meet.
The Region 4-3A meet also showcased the talent of local girls’ teams, with Dillard winning the girls’ team title, led by eighth grader Shynah Collins, who took the individual championship in 18:53.90. Her teammate Abigail Richards finished third overall. As the season continues to progress, each team is gearing up for more thrilling competitions ahead.
