As the first light of dawn crested over the sunflower fields of Southern Hill Farms, more than 20 high school cross-country teams gathered in the misty glow of rural Clermont for the 3rd Annual FCA XC Preseason Invitational. Against a backdrop of blueberry rows, dirt paths, and open skies, athletes lined up for their first true test of the 2025 season and the first preseason race did not disappoint.

The East Ridge High School boys team took home first place, with seven East Ridge runners in the top 20. Hosted by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, the invitational has quickly become a must-attend opener for Florida cross-country programs, offering a unique mix of faith, fellowship and fierce competition on one of the most scenic and challenging courses in the state.

In a dominant display of early-season form, Axel Sallault of East Ridge returned to Southern Hill Farms and ran away from the field once again. Sallault clocked an impressive 16:58, defending his championship at this race from a year ago and proving he’s not only a local favorite but a state contender.

(East Ridge High’s Axel Sallault clocked an impressive 16:58, defending his championship from last year.)

In the first mile, Axel was challenged by his teammate, Caleb Walker, but by the extremely difficult second mile began distancing himself from the rest of the pack. When he emerged on the brick finish, he outgained the second-place finisher by more than 23 seconds.

Close behind Sallault were teammates Caleb Walker and Watson Dunham. Dunham, in particular, ran a personal-best time, which is not easy at a course like Southern Hill Farms. Walker finished third overall with a time of 17:28, while Dunham completed the race in 17:33.

Senior Caleb Walker is looking to continue his impressive career (second fastest all-time at East Ridge) and find that very difficult sub-16:00 minute race this season. Dunham had an incredible summer, in which his fast time at this race surprised many people, except his coach and his teammates, who have seen the work he has been putting into his running. His time was almost three minutes faster than the 2024 FCA Preseason race.

Rounding out the scoring for the East Ridge boys varsity team was sophomore Aubin Sallault and freshman Jonahel Vazquez. Aubin Sallault is looking to build on an impressive sophomore season, and this race proved he is even more improved since last season. Sallault finished the race in a time of 17:54. This was about two minutes faster than at last year’s FCA Preseason race!

Finishing just behind Sallault was the very impressive freshman Vazquez. He completed the race in a time of 17:59. Senior Gustavo Vargas provided an extremely strong sixth position for the Knights, where he finished in 18:04. This was more than 20 seconds faster than the year before at the same race.

The quality depth of the 2025 varsity team was on full display as the seventh runner for the Knights still finished in the top 20. That runner was senior Dylan McCleary, who completed the difficult course in 19:23. This was 30 seconds faster than in 2024, showing the marked improvement in McCleary’s running prowess.

Newcomer to the cross-country program Clayton Smith finished in 28th, in a time of 19:48. It will be interesting to see Smith’s growth this season, as he has a lot of potential. Finishing 36th was junior Tyce Ertel in a time of 20:18. Making his first varsity appearance was senior Daniel Baggett, completing his first varsity race in 20:41. This time for Baggett was an almost five-minute improvement from the 2024 FCA race.

The junior varsity East Ridge Knights finished in fourth place as they were just edged out for third. The JV Knights were led by sophomore Gavan Flaugher, who finished fifth overall. Flaugher completed the race in 21:52 and earned himself a medal.

Second for the Knights and finishing inside the top 20 was senior James Laack, who ran a consistent 23:48. Finishing just behind his older brother, Ethan Laack completed the course in 24:19. Ethan is making his way back from an injury that ended his 2024 season.

The fourth scorer for the JV Knights was junior Christopher Stuemke, who ran a 24:32, good for 24th. The final scorer for the Knights was junior Eli Parks, completing the race in a time of 25:15, good for a top-30 finish.

Senior Scott Bori completed the course in 25:24, while fellow senior Andrew Conway finished in 25:51. Sophomore Isaac Bori finished in 35th place, while senior Owen Degges made his return to cross-country and completed the race in 27:25.

The next race on the schedule in Jacksonville at Cecil Field on Friday evening at the Cecil Field Summer Classic. The JV boys runners will race first at 6:45 p.m. The varsity boys will run in the elite race at 7:45 p.m.

The address for Cecil Field is 13715 Lake Newman Street in Jacksonville.