Panhandle Express runners enjoy 'cool experience' at AAU cross country national championship

Article written by the Tallahassee Democrat.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Competing in the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Cross Country National Championship is a highlight for any runner. However, when the event takes place in that individual's backyard, it elevates the significance of the event.

This was the vibe for members of the Panhandle Express as they lined up at Apalachee Regional Park on Saturday for this high-ranking meet.

Panhandle Express is one of the marquee running clubs in the Big Bend. Members range from elementary school students to first-class high school runners. They raced against an estimated 4,500 people from across the country.  

Leading the charge for the club is Chris Sumner.

He was pleased to have his team among the host of athletes from all over the nation. 

"Visit Tallahassee does a great job putting on this event. I love seeing all the kids from different parts of the country. Knowing that they're coming to Tallahassee where we train is a cool experience," Sumner said. 

"We had 85 kids from Panhandle Express that came out and had a good time. They did well and had a lot of personal records. To see the smiles on their faces was worth it all."

The high schoolers with Panhandle Express are a collection of elite runners from teams throughout the region. For them, this was an encore to the state championships that took place in November. 

"This event was a nice event with all the people coming from across the country. It was a good way to end the season," said Leo Rutledge of Maclay. 

"It was cool to have this be 30 minutes away from home instead of going out of state. It was great running with Panhandle Express and being with people from different schools. Coach Angie (Milford) and coach Sumner do a great job. It's good to mix up with the team."

Saturday's meet marked the second time the AAU national championships were held at Apalachee Regional Park. The first occurrence was in 2016. 

Local officials were pleased by the turnout and economic impact this meet generated for the area. It also serves as a precursor for the 2021 NCAA Division I Cross Country National Championships. The meet is scheduled for Nov. 20.

"Overall, it was a great day. We have great feedback from the parents and families. They were excited to be here. Everyone did well following the safety protocols," said Amanda Heidecker, Senior Director of Sales & Sports at Leon County Tourism.

"Nationals will be here in less than a year. We're almost done with the stage and building. We're excited about the opportunity of hosting the national championships."

Listed below are the top times from the events:  

Boys 13-14 years old 4K

• William Springer - 13:21.82

Girls 15-18 years old 5K

• Lillee Tang - 19:45.93

Girls 11-12 years old 3K

• Lillian Koeppel - 11:46.60

Boys 15-18 years old 5K

• Leo Rutledge - 16:48.65

Girls 13-14 years old 4K

• Susan Koeppel - 15:00.32

Boys 11-12 years old 3K

• Jonathan Kiros - 11:01.83

Boys 9-10 years old 3K 

• Jacob Hassell - 12:29.44

Boys 7-8 years old  2K

• Landon Heitmeyer - 8:30.48

Girls 9-10 years old 3K

• Charlotte Sikes - 12:28.81

Girls 15-18 years old 5K

• Lillee Tang - 19:45.93

Girls 15-18 years old 5K

• Elizabeth Blitch - 21:20.60

Boys 15-18 years old 5K

• Clayton Knox - 16:49.93

Boys 6 & Under 1K

• Carter Sumner - 8:25.81

Boys 7 & Under 2K

• Landon Heitmeyer - 8:30.48

Girls 6 & Under 1K

• Hadley Harris - 4:50.96

Boys 11-12 years old 3K

• Gavin Poucher - 11:48.54

Girls 11-12 years old 3K

• Isabella Youngberg - 14:12.94

Boys 7-8 years old 2K

• Asher Swope - 9:53.63

Boys 13-14 years old 4000

• Noah Deem - 13:39.89

Girls 13-14 years old 4000

• Isabella Laughton - 16:08.98