The false start of the Florida High School Athletic Association’s 4A girls cross country state final, held on the grass horserace track at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City, had an unsettling effect on many of the runners, but Dr. Phillips High sophomore Bridget Blake, who finished second last year, was not going to let it become a distraction.

“I heard everyone complaining and saying, ‘this is crazy,’ but I knew I had to get my mind ready,” said Blake. “I just kind of shook out, stayed focused and did not really talk to anyone.”