The Benjamin School continues to cement its legacy as a powerhouse in Florida high school track and field, with the girls team securing back-to-back Class 1A state championships on Wednesday, May 6, at the University of North Florida's Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville.
The Bucs girls dominated the competition, finishing with 62 total points—nine clear of runner-up Northside Christian. This victory marks the school's fifth consecutive year holding a state title in track and field, following the boys team's three-peat from 2022 to 2024 and last year's historic first girls championship.
The title chase came down to the wire. Entering the final event—the 4x400-meter relay—Benjamin held a slim two-point lead over Northside Christian. The Bucs' experienced lineup delivered under pressure, taking second place while their rivals finished eighth, sealing the victory in dramatic fashion.
Senior sprinter Akari Marshall was the standout performer, winning the 200-meter dash and earning runner-up finishes in both the 100-meter and 4x400-meter relay. Fellow senior Sofia Balistreri, The Post's reigning Girls Track Runner of the Year, continued her stellar season with a second-place finish in the 800-meter and a key leg in the championship-clinching relay. Junior Kamori Reddick also contributed valuable points in the field events, taking runner-up in triple jump and sixth in long jump.
Among other local standouts, Pahokee junior Jamaria Richardson shined on the opening day of the FHSAA state meet, winning the 400-meter, placing third in long jump, and finishing sixth in the 200-meter.
On the boys side, Benjamin's team made a strong push for the title, finishing as Class 1A state runner-up. The Bucs fell just 12 points short of champion Holy Trinity, who won with 68 points overall. Senior Julian Luiz closed out his decorated prep career in style, winning the 400-meter hurdles individually and anchoring the first-place 4x400-meter relay team.
With young talents like sophomore Markel Etienne and a strong core returning, the future looks bright for Benjamin School track and field—proving that championship culture is built to last.