News Summary

The East Ridge High School girls cross country team showcased impressive performances at the FCA Preseason Invitational, overcoming a challenging course and warm conditions. Senior Veronica Peterson led the team, finishing sixth overall, followed closely by Rhyen Foley and Adriana Mustin. The team finished strong with six runners in the top twenty. Freshman and sophomore newcomers also made their mark, signaling a bright future as they prepare for their regular season opener. The Knights outperformed local rivals, indicating their strength as a team this season.

East Ridge High School Girls Cross Country Team Triumphs at FCA Preseason Invitational

Clermont, Florida – The East Ridge High School girls cross country team showed remarkable strength and determination at the FCA Preseason Invitational on August 16, 2025. Held at the beautiful yet challenging Southern Hill Farms, the event attracted ten teams from across Central Florida, all eager to kick off the cross country season with a bang.

A Grueling Course

The course was no walk in the park, featuring a tough 100M start that led into a long stone straightaway, winding through grass and dirt trails across the farm’s property. The warm temperatures on race day added an extra layer of difficulty, but these young athletes were ready for the challenge. With every step, they demonstrated heart and grit, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

Top Performers Shine

Senior Veronica Peterson shone the brightest for East Ridge, finishing sixth overall out of a competitive field of eighty girls. She clocked in at an impressive 21:26, narrowly edging out an opponent from Windermere in a thrilling sprint to the finish line. Peterson was not alone in her pursuit of victory; her fellow senior Rhyen Foley closely followed, placing eighth with a solid time of 21:33. The pair paced each other throughout the race, a true testament to their team spirit and camaraderie.

Another standout was senior Adriana Mustin, who finished tenth with a time of 21:52, marking a remarkable improvement of over twenty seconds from her previous year’s performance. Talk about progress! Just behind her, junior Taylor Walker grabbed the thirteenth spot, clocking in at 22:27, also showcasing nearly a one-minute jump from last season’s results. East Ridge had a good day on the course, with six runners finishing in the top twenty, solidifying their status among the best teams in the region.

Fresh Faces Make Impressions

Freshman Hortance Sallault made an impressive debut, finishing nineteenth with a time of 23:14. Another noteworthy debut came from sophomore Helen Robertson, a summer transfer, who finished just a step behind Sallault in twentieth place with a time of 23:15. Both new additions to the team showed promise and will undoubtedly contribute to the team’s goal this season.

Junior Lexi Whitehead also made significant strides by finishing twenty-second with a time of 23:23, achieving a near one-and-a-half minute improvement from last season. Meanwhile, junior Jessie Volz finished twenty-third with a time of 23:24, showcasing her own notable improvements. Collectively, these performances contributed to East Ridge’s strong showing.

Rivalry Intensifies

It’s not all about individual performance, though. East Ridge managed to fend off stiff competition from neighboring rivals, including Tavares High School, which placed three runners in the top twenty. However, the Knights demonstrated their strength by prevailing over several district foes, including Horizon, Lake Minneola, Windermere, and Apopka.

Junior Varsity Highlights

East Ridge didn’t stop there; they also had four runners competing in the girls junior varsity race. Freshman Jamie Volz secured an impressive second-place finish out of nineteen runners, indicating a bright future for the team. It’s clear that the Knights are building a strong foundation with fresh talent and seasoned veterans.

Looking Ahead

With the FCA Preseason Invitational behind them, the East Ridge girls cross country team is gearing up for their regular season opener at the Cecil Field Summer Classic in Jacksonville on August 22, 2025. Fans and teammates alike are excited to see how this talented group will continue to evolve and conquer new challenges as the season progresses. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exhilarating year for the East Ridge Knights!

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