Lainee Mercer, a sophomore distance runner at Springstead High School, added two more state medals to her collection on Friday at the FHSAA Class 3A Track and Field State Championship meet at the University of North Florida’s Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville. Mercer finished fifth in the 1,600 meters with a time of 5:00.27 and third in the 3,200 meters with a time of 10:49.48.
Mercer said she was happy with her performance, describing the 1,600 as “physically tough” and the 3,200 as “mentally tough.” She had set a personal record in the 1,600 and was pleased with her time in the 3,200, which matched her placing from last year. The top eight runners in each event received medals.
Mercer was joined on the podium by Satellite senior Celina Coryell, who won the 3,200 meters with a time of 10:36.24, and Bishop Moore Catholic freshman Annabella Tomasic, who took second with a time of 10:44.47. This was the same top three as the 3A state cross country meet in the fall.
Mercer reflected on her experience, noting that she had been trying to run under 5 minutes in the 1,600 and was close to achieving that goal. She also appreciated that there were fewer nerves this year compared to last year, when rain delays had pushed some events into the morning of the next day.
Originally reported by Hernando Sun
Sources: Hernando Sun
