Mar 24, 2026

Kala Valarias of Gulf Coast is one of several Florida athletes who delivered standout performances in week six. 

Photo Credit: M. Stonecipher

Each week, Florida high school track and field athletes are setting personal records and delivering standout performances across a range of events. Week after week brings new breakthroughs-here’s a look at a few athletes who made big strides during week six of the 2026 outdoor season.

Based on performances from March 16-22.

Cherldine Paul (Barron Collier) threw 46-7.75 in the shot put at the Guy Thomas Memorial Classic on March 21, improving from her previous best of 43-8.8. The mark ranks #3 in Florida and set a school record. Paul also set a personal record in the discus with 112-9.5, up from 108-10.

Grant Alward II (First Baptist Academy) threw 147-1.5 in the discus at the Guy Thomas Memorial Classic, improving from 138-11.25. The mark places him #87 in Florida and #28 among seniors. Alward finished 5th of 30 competitors.

Kiara Rakes (Gulf Coast) ran 2:17.53 in the 800 meters at the Guy Thomas Memorial Classic, lowering her previous best of 2:20.93 from March 2026. The time ranks #58 in Florida and #17 among seniors. Rakes placed 2nd of 72 runners.

Giuliana Serra (Cardinal Gibbons) ran 2:17.91 in the 800 meters at the Guy Thomas Memorial Classic, improving from 2:20.92. The time ranks #69 in Florida and #16 among juniors. Serra also set a personal record in the 400 meters with 1:02.24, down from 1:02.73.
Nasir Cruz (Mater Academy Charter) threw 46-10 in the shot put at the Dade County Youth Fair Championship on March 19, improving from 45-0.25. The mark ranks #120 in Florida and set a school record. Cruz also recorded a personal best 110-4 in the discus, up from 104-11.06.
Xander Muchallah (Christopher Columbus) ran 1:56.57 in the 800 meters at the Guy Thomas Memorial Classic, improving from 1:59.22. The time ranks #75 in Florida and #11 among juniors. Muchallah finished 6th of 68 runners.
Matthew Hood (Palm Harbor University) ran 9:33.82 in the 3200 meters at the Guy Thomas Memorial Classic, improving from the 9:41.80 set in March 2026. The time ranks #83 in Florida and set a school record. Hood won the race among 41 competitors.
Kala Valarias (Gulf Coast) ran 11.84 in the 100 meters at the Guy Thomas Memorial Classic, improving from 11.97. The time ranks #53 in Florida and set a school record. Valarias also set personal records in the 200 meters (24.05, from 24.62) and 400 meters (55.25, from 55.59).
Keymani Dillingham (St. Stephens Episcopal) ran 14.08 in the 100-meter hurdles at the Guy Thomas Memorial Classic, improving from 14.24 set in February 2026. The time ranks #18 in Florida and #6 among seniors while setting a school record.