PENSACOLA, Fla.—Bayside Academy returned from the Washington High School Cross-Country Invitational with strong team and individual performances against many of Northwest Florida’s best high-school runners.

The Lady Admirals team finished third overall in the 41st annual race in Pensacola, Fla. The 2013 field proved very competitive with Florida powers Pace and West Florida sweeping the top two spots in both the girls and boys divisions.  

The Bayside girls were paced by eighth grader Abby Warner who finished second overall with a personal best time of 19:47. Mary Catherine Branyon, also an eighth grader ran 20:13 placing fifth overall in the varsity meet.

“Abby and MC are ranked No. 5 and No. 6 in the Alabama Class 3A state rankings,” said Bayside head coach Alan Foster.  “Delaney Klutes (22:01), Bowen Spottswood (22:35) and Catie Caldwell (23:31) ran season-leading times and helped push the Lady Admirals to a No. 1, 3A (Alabama High School Athletic Association) ranking. Seniors Carlisle Calametti (23:55) and Brittany Houseman (24:34) finished as the sixth and seventh runners helping to round out the team scoring.”

In the varsity boys division bayside senior Ryan Shankle delivered again with another big performance running a 16:51 5K (3.1 miles) — to earn the runner-up trophy.

“His time ranks him as the No. 1 (ranked) 3A runner in Alabama,” Foster said.  “Ash Midyett opened the race running with the leaders and finished with a fantastic time of 18:36.”  

Alex Grace (21:49), William Hixson (22:05), Treovor Gibbons (22:53), Jake Melendenz (24:51) and Jacob Hartley (25:12) rounded out the scoring for the Admirals.