Bullpups Make Strong Showing at State Championship

By: Shelia Mader

Marianna K8 made school history with its first appearance at the FLYRA (Florida Youth Running Association) Middle School Championship, finishing 23rd out of 27 teams statewide.

The FLYRA Championship is the top event for middle school runners in Florida, hosted by the Florida Youth Running Association, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting youth running across the state.

Eighth-grader Kate Barton was Marianna K8’s lone girls’ qualifier. In her first season of cross country, Barton, who also plays softball and volleyball, clocked 13:39.9 to finish 115th overall.

The Bullpups’ boys’ squad sent seven runners to the starting line. Keith Cummings led the way with a time of 11:32.8, good for 68th place. He was followed by Lucas Perkins (12:43), John Tyler (12:45.5), Lennox Hodge (12:52.5) Ayden Brown (13:10.2), Blake Campbell (13:33.0), and Antonio Thomas (14:23.2).

For many of the Bullpups, this was their first season running cross-country, and their debut at the state level. Despite their inexperience, they ran with the confidence of veterans and showed plenty of potential for the future.

Congratulations to the Marianna K8 runners on a successful season and a strong finish on the state stage.