Francois, Doyle Drop Pair of 1:51 800's, Foley Goes Sub 15 5k At Avery Creek Distance Festival


If you thought the week after state would be a much needed rest for area distance stars, think again. The Avery Creek Distance Showcase at Trinity Prep didn't have a ton of athletes, but what it lacked in quantity it definitely made up for in quality, starting with the boys 800m run. Freedom senior and UNF signee Timothy Doyle and Lake Brantley junior Joab Francois came through 400m right around 55 seconds. Francois would run near even splits to take down Doyle in an epic battle that saw him run a US#6 1:51.00 and Doyle right behind in a US# 9 mark of 1:51.38. Those are the two fastest times in the state for 2018 surpassing Hugh Brittenham's 1:51.92 from the FSU Relays.

Francois finished second at the 4A state meet while Doyle was third in the 800m and also won his third consecutive 1,600m crown. According to Buddy Collings of the Orlando Sentinel, Francois' time breaks a school record set by Otniel Teixeira who went onto run for USF and FSU.

The last event of the night was equally as exciting with Trevor Foley of Citrus Park Christian stealing the show. Foley, who swept the 800, 1,600, and 3,200m at last weekend's 1A state championship won the 5,000m run in a blistering 14:49.10. The University of Florida signee is an excellent shape as is evident by his recent success.

Next up for Foley and Doyle will be the Adidas Dream Mile in Boston where they will be joined by Bolles junior Chase Rivera and several other Sunshine State standouts.

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