Photo by KEVIN JOHNSON // Buy this photo

The Estero High girls cross country team celebrates its third straight state title after winning the Class 3A race on Nov. 17, 2012 at Apalachee Regional Park in Tallahassee. From left, assistant coach Ben Pignatone, freshman Daley Cline, sophomore Meg Slater, sophomore Antonella Valencia, senior Kacy Smith, senior Katy G. Solis, junior Katie Slater, junior Bethany Jenkins and head coach Jeff Sommer. The Wildcats won with 42 points. Kevin Johnson/Staff

TALLAHASSEE — TALLAHASSEE — In the days, hours and minutes leading up to the Class 3A girls cross country championship, the coach of an undefeated powerhouse that had produced a numbing amount of victories by comfortable margins all season was anything but comfortable.

Estero High coach Jeff Sommer has been around important cross country meets long before any of his current runners were born. The energetic leader of the Wildcats’ boys and girls teams knows the joy of success — having driven teams to victory lane in previous state finals — as well as the agony of close calls, having been runner-up three times.