Cross country runner helps competitor cross finish line

TAMPA (FOX 13) - It was the Florida High School Cross Country State Finals, and 16-year-old Luke Whitmore had his heart set on succeeding.

He and students from all across the state had made their way to Apalachee Regional Park for the meet, but this Plant City High School student had one main goal: Beat Walker Thomas, a rival from another Bay area school.

"I knew that he really wanted to beat the Plant runners. They've run against each other all season long," said Plant City High School Principal Susan Sullivan.

Luke ended up finishing 162nd in the Class 4A meet, but he's a winner in the eyes of his peers...and his competitors.

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