The King’s Academy cross country program, under the direction of head coach Bill Mitchell, had historic success in FHSAA Class 1A over the past five years. The boys and girls program combined to claim six district championships since 2016 and the program’s only regional championship, claimed by the boys in 2018.
However, reclassification moved the championship program up to Class 2A, and the runners were forced to recalibrate, as evidenced by runners-up finishes in the district championships this season. The adjustment period ended for boys cross country team at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek on Wednesday, Oct. 30. It was there that the boys would dominate the FHSAA regional championships and avenge a one-point district championship loss to St. Andrews just eight days earlier. The win gives boys cross country back-to-back regional championships.
“I’m so thrilled with the way that our team responded to the disappointment of the district championships,” Director of Athletics Dr. Chris Hobbs said. “They went right back to work, demonstrated persistence and allowed the failure to fuel the success for the regional championship. It’s an important lesson that I hope they carry with them for a long time.”
Leading the charge for the Lions’ was Elon University commit and individual district champion Cameron Dunn with a third-place medal. Colton Lawson and C.J. Hobbs finished sixth and tenth, respectively, to earn a place on the medal podium, as well in the ultra-competitive field of 140 runners.
For more information about TKA’s athletic department, visit www.tkalions.net.
