Benjamin girls track and field wins back-to-back state titles

The Benjamin School 's place at the top of Florida high school track and field will continue for a fifth consecutive year. Benjamin's girls track and field team won the Class 1A state championship on Wednesday, May 6 at the University of North Florida's Hodges Stadium in Jacksonville. The Bucs finished with 62 total points, nine clear of runner-up Northside Christian.

Last year, Benjamin won its first FHSAA girls track and field state championship , picking up where the school's boys team left off after three consecutive state titles from 2022-24 . There was a little drama for the Bucs in claiming this latest title. Benjamin entered the meet's finale event, the 4x400-meter relay, with a two-point lead over Northside Christian.

The Bucs' veteran lineup took second place while Northside finished eighth, securing the victory. Senior sprinter Akari Marshall shined for the Bucs with a win in the 200-meter and runner-up finishes in the 100-meter and the 4x400-meter relay. Fellow senior Sofia Balistreri , The Post's reigning Girls Track Runner of the Year, also scored well with a runner-up finish in the 800-meter and a leg on the aforementioned relay.

Benjamin junior Kamori Reddick also grabbed a bundle of points in the field, taking runner-up in triple jump and sixth in long jump. Pahokee junior Jamaria Richardson shined among other locals competing on the opening day of the FHSAA state meet. The junior won the 400-meter, took third in long jump and sixth in the 200-meter.