Jones' boys cross country program makes history by qualifying for state

Colonial's Andres Arroyo and Dr. Phillips' Bridget Blake are favored to win titles at the state meet Saturday.

Former Boone runner John-Logan Hines, left, is now at the University of Florida. His father, John, has helped to take Jones to its first state cross country meet. (Stephen M. Dowell, Orlando Sentinel)

Jones' Tyrin Chenault never imagined he would be at Saturday's state high school cross country meet.

He was new to cross country, switching sports from football one year earlier. No Tigers team or runner ever had qualified for state. During his junior season, he didn't get past the district meet.

"I never could see it," said Chenault, who this year finished fourth at district in 16 minutes, 58.83 seconds. "It wasn't even a dream, but dreams do come true. This is reality. We put in so many miles, did so much training this year, that it became possible."