Coral Springs High School runner Olivia Higgins earns second place at 4A Region 4 cross country meet and qualifies for state championship
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs High School’s distance runner Olivia Higgins turned in a standout performance at the 4A Region 4 Cross Country Meet in Miami on November 12, finishing in second place and earning a spot to represent her school at the state championship in Tallahassee on November 22.
Higgins’ achievement highlights a season of dedication and hard work. Competing against some of the fastest runners in the region, she ran a strategic race that positioned her near the front from the opening mile and maintained her pace to secure a top finish. Her success continues Coral Springs High School’s reputation for producing strong distance runners in competitive cross-country events.
Olivia Noel of J.P. Taravella High School finished seventh in the same race, while the Marjory Stoneman Douglas girls’ team placed fifth overall, earning a qualification for the state championship. The Taravella girls’ team finished seventh and also secured a state meet berth, signaling strong performances from multiple programs in the region.
On the boys’ side, Coral Springs High School finished seventh as a team, also qualifying for the state championship. Taravella and Marjory Stoneman Douglas finished 12th and 13th respectively, falling short of team qualification. Individual performances also made a difference, with Taravella’s Craig Dennis finishing 26th and securing his spot at the state championship as an individual competitor. Matthew Wykpisz of Coral Springs finished 31st, just outside the top qualifying ranks.
Taravella Coach Spann praised her athletes’ efforts, noting the hard work that propelled them to the state meet. “They have worked hard and now they are going to the States. Craig Dennis has trained hard and kept improving during the season,” she said. The acknowledgment reflects not only the dedication of the athletes but also the commitment of coaches to guide runners through rigorous training schedules, including endurance runs, speed work, and race strategy sessions.
The upcoming state championship promises to be a high-stakes event, with athletes from across Florida competing for top honors. For Higgins, representing Coral Springs High School on a statewide stage is both a challenge and an opportunity to showcase her abilities against the best in the state. Her performance at regionals has already set expectations high, and her steady pace, focus, and experience will be key factors in the state meet.
Beyond individual performances, the Coral Springs High School cross-country program continues to emphasize teamwork, resilience, and consistent improvement. With both boys and girls teams qualifying, the school hopes to see strong showings in Tallahassee. The upcoming races will test the endurance and mental toughness of all participants, but with athletes like Olivia Higgins leading the way, Coral Springs High School is positioned to make a notable impact at the state championship.
