- November 4, 2024
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As the 4A Cross Country State Finals headed into the last 800 meters, senior Justin Pacifico, in eighth, didn’t want to leave the track with any regrets. He rocketed past everyone in front of him except the pre-race favorite to clinch runner up and the fourth fastest time of the day (two other runners ran in the cooler early morning), amid hot and humid Florida conditions on Saturday, Nov. 7, in Tallahassee.
“I’m satisfied,” he said. “I was honestly hoping for a Top-5 finish. The pace was slow throughout, which was a little weird for those big guys in the front.
“He was super excited, as was I, his coach and his school,” coach David Halliday said. “Justin is the fastest FPC distance runner since Anthony Morales in 2006 and highest FPC state meet placer since Justin Harbor won the individual title in 2005. He is also the fastest Volusia/Flagler cross country runner since that time eclipsing both FPC's Thomas Carroll and DeLand's Ken Pinero. He is a rising star who keeps getting better and is a hard worker, who believes in himself and his coaches.
“He follows every season plan to a tee,” Halliday added. “He knows that, if does, he will be at his best at the end of the season, when it really counts. He is gamer, when championship season comes ..Justin was second at districts, third at the region and now state runner-up. He believes he can win every time he toes the line, and he knows I believe in him.”
After a short stint to rest, Pacifico will begin to train for track season. Last season, he won the runner-up medal in the 800-meter run, after giving up the lead in the end. When asked if he will settle for silver this year, Pacifico laughed and said, “No.”
