MIA Cross Country Girls Return to Regional Finals

The Marco Island Academy (MIA) cross-country team had a successful and memorable 2023 season. The team was coached and led by coach Bruce Kretschmer for the 11th year in a row. MIA’s team was composed of seven freshmen, three sophomores, one junior, and one senior. Every runner had their own way of contributing to the team. 

The team’s captain, a junior, Janie Cartwright, was instrumental in the mentoring, supporting, and leading of the team at practices and meets. Janie proved to be a reliable athlete and was a hardworking and strong leader both on and off the course. Her dedication helped guide the team to compete in regionals. 

Sophomore Leah Tschida had a remarkable 2023 season after overcoming a difficult ankle injury. Leah was a constant reminder to the team that even with setbacks and pain, you can achieve personal goals. Her greatest contribution to the team was finishing as the second runner for MIA at the regional meet, thereby setting a personal record for herself. 

Meghan Donaldson, a sophomore, often dwindled the pressure and nerves of her peers with her humor and bubbly personality at every meet. Additionally, she was instrumental in the team’s success with her performance at districts. 

Despite minor injuries, freshman Ansley Carmignani finished the season strong. She contributed greatly by placing 20th overall at the North Port Invitational. 

Paisley Papa, a freshman, despite being new to cross country, was the team’s firecracker. She was the second-fastest runner on the team, earning her top 20 placement in two meets. 

Freshman Brinley Heflin was the surprise of the team. She shaved off over nine minutes from her first meet of the season to the last.

Additionally, Sophomore Aubrey Guidry and Freshmen Madi Knudtson, Annie Guidry, and Ava Richardson all made valuable contributions to ensure the team would be able to make the points to progress to regionals. 

Freshman Brianna Ferro led the team by being the top runner and setting several personal as well as school records. Ferro also set a new MIA Girl’s record for a 5K, with a time of 19:30 at the North Port Invitational. The previous record was held by Olivia Watt with a time of 19:45, which was set at the MIA Invitational in 2016. She set another school record by being the first freshman runner to qualify individually for states. Ferro finished the season strong by placing 19th overall at the 1A division States Championships in Tallahassee, setting a school record for the States course with a time of 19:39. 

Brianna’s inspirational hard work and dedication, along with the drive of the other runners, brings many possibilities for the young MIA team, who won the title of PCAC Champions at their home course meet. 

While MIA did not have a boys’ team this year, senior athlete Gabe Tschida was a strong representation of the Rays at every meet. Marco Island Academy had an achievement-filled season and would like to thank Coach Bruce Kretschmer for his dedication.