The Falcons took a big step forward this past weekend while competing in the Florida State Invitational. Thirty teams lined up on the start line, and most were from the state of Florida.  The field included host school Florida State, and other NCAA Division 1 schools such as Miami, LSU, Stetson, USF, and Jacksonville. NCAA Division 2 teams Embry Riddle, St Leo, Flagler, Palm Beach Atlantic also joined the challenge.  Fueled by several personal bests, the Falcons finished 11th in the field, ahead of University of South Florida, Stetson, Palm Beach Atlantic, and all other Junior Colleges in the field.  Sebastian Hernandez, this week's National Runner of the Week, finished an astounding 11th, with a time of 24:42 which is a new school record for the Falcons.  Hernandez was the top junior college runner in the field, and 35 seconds ahead of Christian Ruocco who finished in 25:17 good for 41st place.  Rounding out the top five for the Falcons was freshman Jared Falchook, almost breaking the 26 minute barrier, sophomore Mitchell Curtis with a minute personal best of 26:12, and fifth was freshman Jayven Garcia who took three minutes off his time from St Leo two weeks ago, 26:30.  Also impressive for the Falcons was Jonathan Reyes, who ran two minutes faster than his best time from 2021 on the same course.  "We really had a good meet and one that we needed.  We will be back on this course for the Region 8 meet October 28th and then the NJCAA nationals on November 12th, with one goal in mind."  commented fifth year coach Judy Wilson.  Next up for the Falcons is the University of South Florida Invitational Friday, October 14th. Race time is 5:50pm.