For the PCHS Cross-Country team, their day begins long before the sun rises. 

While everyone is still asleep, these determined runners are putting in lots of hard work before school.  But the training doesn’t end there. These athletes continue to put in the hours, and determination, needed to succeed in cross country.

Coach Antwan Wright says, “Lots of hours were put in over summer to break many previous season records.” Wright has worked at many universities and says his former jobs have prepared him to encourage and motivate his players this season.  

As for the athletes, many goals are on their mind for this season. From running times to upcoming meets, this year’s team is headed towards greatness.  

The team has already competed at the Lemon Bay Invitational on August 22, 2026. The results were exceptional and gave the team a great start to the season.  

The boys took 6th place overall. Kai Minteer (Jr.) led the boys with a 23rd place finish and a time of 18:51. 

Minteer, who spoke about encouraging his teammates, says he wants to improve his speed and leadership skills. Wright mentioned Minteer as a standout player this season, holding the boys’ time record. 

The star athletes on the team do not stop with Minteer. Records have been made on the girls’ side of the team as well. The girls took 11th place overall, led by Kayla Hawk (Jr.) who took first place with a time of 20:02. 

Wright mentioned Hawk as a star player based on her stats from last season. Hawk said one of her goals this season is to break 18 minutes. 

One thing the team looks forward to this season is the North Port High course, with Wright praising the fast, challenging conditions and saying, “Our team has historically done well as this course.” 

Overall, this could well be the cross-country teams' best season. They have strong goals, a great coach, and many hours of hard work to prepare them for greatness.