Ransom Everglades’ David Serra is Miami-Dade Boys’ Track and Field Athlete of Year

David “Chuli” Serra’s junior year at Ransom Everglades started with him dominating on the cross-country trail in his first season participating in the sport.

It ended with him being a double state winner in the spring during the track and field season.

That’s why Serra is the Miami Herald’s Dade Boys’ Track and Field Player of the Year.

Serra won state titles in both the 1,600 and 3,200 meter runs, making him the only athlete from Dade County to win multiple individual events at state this season (excluding relays).

He started his day winning the 1,600 meter run with a time of 4:12.10, more than six seconds faster than his closest competitor in the Class 2A meet (King’s Academy’s Colton Lawson was runner up at 4:18.91).

Serra once again dominated in the 3,200 meter run to cap his meet. He crossed the line in 9:06.66, nearly seven seconds ahead of Jacksonville Bolles’ Parker Adams.

“It’s pretty surprising to see how far I’ve come,” Serra said. “Last year was my first year of track, so to be where I am today, it’s honestly a blessing. It just shows that when you put in the work, there will be results.”

Serra’s success this track season came after a breakthrough first season on the cross-country scene when he finished as state runner-up in the Class 2A race and had the fastest time among any area runner at the state meet in Tallahassee.

While both sports have their similarities — specifically running long distances in Serra’s case — Serra did note a couple differences between his approach during cross country and track seasons.

“Cross country is much more team oriented and track I think of as kind of like survive and advance in a way,” Serra said. “With cross country, it’s more just go out there and run. In track, it’s pretty similar; obviously you’re giving your all, but it’s much more technical and there’s much more tactics when it comes to racing on the track.”