Monroe County once again produced an impressive collection of track and field talent this spring, with athletes excelling in nearly every discipline. From state medalists and school record holders to district champions and aspiring underclassmen, Keys competitors continued to prove they can compete with the best in the state. Rosters were stacked with talent in all disciplines and the athletes’ dedication, versatility and postseason success showcased the strength of Monroe County athleticism statewide.

Athlete of the Year

Lucian Burns

Freshman, Marathon 

Distance/Middle Distance

Lucian Burns burst onto the high school track scene with one of the most impressive freshman campaigns in recent Monroe County history, earning All-Keys Athlete of the Year honors after excelling in multiple distance events throughout the postseason. Burns captured district championships in the 3,200 meters and as a member of Marathon’s 4×800 relay while adding a runner-up finish in the 1,600. At regionals, he helped power the Dolphins’ school-record-setting 4×800 relay to a regional championship and automatic state berth, then earned at-large bids to the state meet in both the 1,600 and 3,200 after finishing second and third, respectively. Competing against Florida’s top distance runners, Burns capped his remarkable season with an eighth-place finish in the Class 1A 3,200-meter finals to earn a state medal. His combination of talent, consistency and versatility made him one of the Keys’ most accomplished athletes this spring, and with three years still ahead of him, Burns has already established himself as one of the area’s brightest young stars.

Alaric Rodriguez

Senior, Coral Shores 

Hurdles

Rodriguez closed out an outstanding senior season by winning the district championship in the 400-meter hurdles before placing third at regionals to earn an at-large berth to the state meet. He also contributed to the Hurricanes’ 4×800 relay team, which placed eighth at regionals. Rodriguez capped his career by breaking Coral Shores’ school record in the 400 hurdles, cementing his place among the program’s all-time greats.

Caleb Shelar

Senior, Marathon 

Hurdles/Middle Distance

Shelar enjoyed an outstanding senior campaign, finishing as runner-up in the 400-meter hurdles at districts before placing fourth at regionals to earn an at-large bid to the state championships. He capped his career with a 10th-place finish at states while setting Marathon’s school record in the 400 hurdles, leaving a lasting mark on the Dolphins’ program.

Leandro Batista

Senior, Key West 

Shot Put

Batista dominated in shot put this season by winning the district championship before capturing bronze at regionals to secure an at-large berth to states. He capped his remarkable season with a fourth-place finish and medal at the state championships. The school record holder in the shot put, Batista also excelled as a standout multisport athlete for the Conchs.

Xavier Johnson

Senior, Coral Shores 

Hurdles

Johnson concluded an outstanding career by winning his third consecutive district championship in the 110-meter hurdles. He advanced to regionals, where he finished among the top competitors in the event to close out his time with the Hurricanes. His consistency and success over four seasons not only made him one of Coral Shores’ premier hurdlers, but the school’s record holder in the 110 hurdles as well.

Ian Torrealba Lopez

Junior, Key West 

Pole Vault

Torrealba Lopez continued his steady rise by placing second in the pole vault at districts before capturing the regional championship to qualify for the state meet. He finished 14th in Class 2A at states, showcasing significant improvement from the previous season. With another year remaining, he enters his senior campaign as one of the Keys’ top returning field athletes.

Jorge Sanchez

Junior, Key West 

Pole Vault/Hurdles

Sanchez claimed the district championship in the pole vault while also finishing as runner-up in the 110-meter hurdles, demonstrating his versatility. He followed with a fourth-place finish in the vault at regionals. A talented multievent athlete, Sanchez has the potential to make an even bigger impact during his senior season.

Jeff Dejean

Senior, Key West 

Jumping Events

Dejean won the district title in the long jump before placing sixth at regionals to earn an at-large berth in the state championships. He finished seventh in the state, capping a memorable senior season. His jump ranks third in Key West history, and his explosive athleticism also made him a standout on the football field.

Maverick McDonald

Eighth Grade, Marathon 

Pole Vault

Despite competing as just an eighth grader, McDonald captured the district championship in the pole vault before advancing to regionals, where he finished eighth. He also owns Marathon’s school record in the event and qualified for the middle school state championships, making him one of the Keys’ most exciting young athletes.

Adrik Mayer

Senior, Coral Shores 

Middle Distance

Mayer wrapped up his senior season by qualifying for regionals in three events, finishing third in the 800 meters and third with the 4×400 relay while helping the 4×800 relay place fifth at districts. His versatility and steady contributions across multiple events made him an important piece of Coral Shores’ lineup throughout the season.

Cavane Herron

Sophomore, Key West 

Sprints/Jumping

Herron showcased his athletic versatility by finishing among the district’s top competitors in all four of his events. He placed fourth in both the 4×100 and 4×400 relays while adding a fifth-place finish in the long jump and sixth in the 100-meter dash, advancing to regionals in three events. A standout football player as well, Herron translated his explosive speed to the track and appears poised for a standout future.

Walson Morin

Senior, Key West 

Sprints/Jumping

Morin contributed in multiple events during his senior season, placing third in the high jump, fourth in the 4×100 relay and sixth in the 200 meters at the district championships. He advanced to regionals in the high jump, finishing 11th to close out his career. A gifted football player, Morin’s athleticism and determination made him a valuable contributor for the Conchs on the track.