Spanish River’s two cross country programs aren’t just in Tallahassee to compete at the FHSAA state 4A championships.
The Sharks are there to dominate.
That is, win state titles in girls and boys. It’s not out of the realm of possibility to take home two team banners to Boca Raton when the cross-country state championships take place on Saturday, Nov. 22.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Sharks are roaring after a sweep at the Region 2-4A championships on Nov. 15 as the boys and girls both won first prize. That came after sweeping girls and boys district championships two weeks ago.
Spanish River’s girls have netted seven state team titles. The boys have none.
“Win - we have no other expectation other than to win,’’ said Spanish River’s legendary coach Doug Horn, in his 12th season. “I’d say the girls’ probability is better, but the goal is to win both.’’
The states. which feature 32 teams, is run at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. It’s such a prestigious course that it is site of the 2026 world cross-country championships in January – only the third time ever held in the United States.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSpanish River’s boys stars are the Sangely twins – Preston and Casey. Preston finished first in the regional race and is slightly favored to win the state meet.
Alba Antunez Perez, Spanish River cross countryOn the track: Spanish River's 'Fab 4' relay team also chased state championship
“It definitely would mean a lot, especially for Doug,’’ Preston Sangely said of a state team championship. “He’s been here 12 years and hasn’t won one in boys yet.’’
Neither the girls nor boys won regionals last year. The 2025 girls squad was boosted by the addition of European star, junior Alba Antunez Perez, who speaks five languages and competes with ferocity.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementShe has a compelling backstory. Perez lived in Spain much of her life, but also spent time in Austria and France. Her parents work for Nestle and move a lot.
At the districts, Perez finished second and placed fifth at regionals after being a multiple national champion in Spain.
“It’s so different from Europe – in a good way,’’ Perez said. “I love the differences, especially the sports. It’s so much more competitive here. Everyone is good here. The competition is crazy and helps me get more motivated.’’
Horn is in awe of Perez’ love of competition.
“She doesn’t have a lot of cross-country experience as she didn’t run as much cross county in Europe,’’ Horn said. “But she’s got tremendous speed and passion for the sport. She loves to race. A lot of kids are afraid to race. She’d race every day if she could.’’
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe adjustment socially has been easy for Perez, who is considering attending college here. “I moved to the U.S., but I still feel it’s like Spain,’’ Perez said. “Everyone speaks Spanish here.’’
At regionals, Lailani Levy, a star freshman who has the school’s cross-country record, placed 7th, two spots behind Perez. Makaela Morilla (16) and Julia D’Emic (20) gave Spanish River four racers in the top 20.
“(Levy) held back, was a team player, ran with two of her teammates to help them through the first two miles,’’ Horn said. “She’s a very talented freshman - very cool, calm, collected with ice in her veins.’’
Perez feels the state title is attainable after Spanish River bested East Ridge 68 to 78 at regionals.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“We’re very happy we won regionals,’’ Perez said. “We worked super hard the whole season. The coaches (Horn, assistants Bruce Rich, Marty Miller) are happy and proud of us. It gave us more confidence for states. We have a real shot at winning states if we really put an effort and start off strong.’’
Horn added, “We have one of the toughest regions in the state. It’s a nice confidence builder because there were some really good teams there in East Ridge and Mineola.’’
Preston Sangely, Spanish River cross countryAt the districts two weeks ago, Spanish River boys won its 11th straight title, placing three runners in the top 4 (Sangely twins and senior Ryan Cook) and seven in the top 15. Only the top five runners count but sixth and seventh can effect outcomes by pushing back key opponents.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAt the regionals, Cook, a former basketball player late to the sport, took 10th place as he’s emerged as a super smart runner. However, an under-the-weather Casey Sangely dropped to 16th. Casey Sangely recently fell off a bike and still is recovering.
Preston Sangely won districts in 15:31.93. He posted a 15:20.58 in winning regionals but battled a sore Achilles and felt at “80 percent.’’
“It’s his consistency in training,’’ Horn said. “He has a lot of confidence from that consistency.’’
Preston Sangely hopes he make a first-place trifecta - districts, regionals, states. But he’ll need help from his mates such as Avery Rand (24th in regionals) and Marcus Benavente (31st) to win the team championship.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“I told them I’ll go out and win and give it my all and you guys do the same,’’ Sangely said. “If the whole team puts in the effort, we can win.’’
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Spanish River's dominant cross country teams eyeing state titles
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