The 2025 cross country season was another shining example of Monroe County athletes’ dedication, resilience and competitive spirit. Runners from every school delivered strong performances, with both teams and individuals representing the Keys all the way to the state meet. Marathon struck gold and Coral Shores earned silver with standout finishes at districts, while Marathon and Coral Shores qualified full squads for regionals and Key West’s boys also advanced. At regionals, Marathon’s boys team and one Coral Shores female runner punched their tickets to the state championships in Tallahassee. Across the board, every program showed meaningful growth and marked improvement, setting the stage for an exciting future in Keys cross country.
GIRLS
Athlete of the Year
Ali Wheatley
Sophomore, Coral Shores
Last season, Ali Wheatley burst onto the cross country scene with some of the fastest times in program history. This season, the speedy sophomore brought home a silver medal from districts, where she ran the course in 20:22. One week later, she kicked it into high gear, finishing in 19:38 and earning a coveted spot at the start of the state championship meet in Tallahassee. She demonstrates mental toughness, pushing through difficult training sessions with grit and resilience. With two seasons of eligibility remaining, Wheatley’s accomplishments, like her pace, will not likely slow down any time soon.
Kate King
Junior, Coral Shores
Consistently the Hurricanes’ No. 2 runner, Kate King clocked some fantastic times this season. King picked up the pace for nearly every race, culminating in a 22:27 personal best at regionals and setting the stage for an exciting senior campaign.
Molly Joly
7th Grade, Marathon
The Lady Fins’ top runner also happens to be their youngest; Molly Joly cruised to a season-best 22:10 at the FHSAA 1A Region 4 championships, after bringing home a seventh-place medal from districts the week prior.
Mylana Loza
Junior, Marathon
Marathon junior Mylana Loza embraces challenging workouts and never shies away from giving her full effort. That paid off this season, as Loza was consistently the second Fin to cross the line at races. She ran a personal best 23:30 at regionals, peaking at precisely the right time.
Emma Bradshaw
Freshman, Key West
In her first season of varsity running, Emma Bradshaw had an impressive showing. Her strong team spirit and perseverance helped whittle down her times throughout the season, culminating in a 24:09 personal best at districts.
Ryah Bushey
Freshman, Key West
In one of the most challenging sports, Ryah Bushey stands out for making it look more fun than it is daunting. She brings a contagious enthusiasm that lifts and motivates the entire team. Her district 25:45 personal best finish at districts proves that she has what it takes to be one of the best.
Violet Jangraw
Junior, Key West
As the only returning member of the Lady Conchs’ cross country team, Violet Jangraw gave her team the leadership they needed. The hard-working junior had her season best, a 25:34, in the first race of the season, then came close again at regionals. The team relied on her guidance and energy as much as her times this season, and Jangraw consistently delivered without complaint.
BOYS
Athlete of the Year
Lucian Burns
Freshman, Marathon
Just a freshman, Lucian Burns has already made two appearances at the state championships, and he could easily add three more before his high school career is over. Burns was sidelined with what could have been a season-ending injury, finding himself in a walking boot in mid-October and putting his goals for the postseason in jeopardy. His grit and determination led to his triumphant return to the starting line at districts, where he struggled, yet finished fast enough to help the Fins qualify for regionals. Burns shaved off nearly two minutes one week later, then led Marathon at states, finishing 42nd. His top time this season, 16:48, was one of three sub-17 finishes, and with his injury no longer a factor, Burns has the ability and time to hawk down the school record in the coming years.
Antonin Bursa
Sophomore, Marathon
Dolphin sophomore Antonin “Tony” Bursa ran seven sub-18-minute races this season. His PR came at districts, where his 17:19 finish won a gold medal. Bursa has both endurance and speed, often kicking it in at the end of races to surpass runners in front of him. With two more seasons to go and a proven running pedigree, Bursa has the ability to become one of the best runners in Monroe County history.
Jamie Cary
Senior, Coral Shores
Hurricane harrier Jamie Cary finished his senior season with a PR, racing to an 18:03 finish at regionals. Cary showed incredible improvement this season, a testament to his focus and dedication to training. Race after race, Cary delivered strong finishes to help lead his team in the postseason and end on a high note.
Alaric Rodriguez
Senior, Coral Shores
Hurricane senior Alaric Rodriguez ran his best at Spanish River this year, finishing in 19:33. Rodriguez’s long history in the sport made him a tough competitor who gave his team a shot at winning every time he toed the line.
Sawyer Hill
Sophomore, Key West
Sophomore Sawyer Hill has no qualms about putting in the work to get better. His discipline and consistency have become something the team can rely upon. Hill finished his season with a personal best 18:35, setting the stage for a solid pair of upcoming seasons for the motivated sophomore.
Prometheus Delacerda
Senior, Key West
Prometheus Delacerda provided the Conchs with senior leadership this season, which was exactly what they needed. His competitive spirit and drive to get better elevated not only his own performance, but the entire team. Delacerda crushed his times this season, finishing his senior campaign in style with an 18:37 PR at regionals.
Allan Taylor
Sophomore, Marathon
Marathon’s No. 3 man, Allan Taylor, ran a personal best 18:01 at districts this season as he closed the gap between himself and the Fins’ top two. Taylor hawks down his rivals and teammates alike, making it look fun in the process. You would be hard-pressed to find him on a training run without his signature smile and two thumbs up.
Caleb Shelar
Senior, Marathon
Despite being Marathon’s No. 4 runner, senior Caleb Shelar often outpaces the top finishers for the rest of the county’s teams, and his quiet determination and focus are a big piece of the Fins’ success. Shelar clocked in at 18:22 for a PR at regionals this year, helping Marathon secure a spot at states, where he finished under 19 minutes despite a hilly, treacherous course.
Photos by Rick Mackenzie and Natalie Danko
