Top 10 state finish in sights for Burges

State Championship Previews

Sunday:  Tornillo boys.

Monday: San Elizario boys.

Tuesday: Burges boys.

Wednesday: Eastwood boys and girls.

Thursday: Americas boys.

Friday: Individual qualifiers. Class 6A – Coronado runners senior Liam Walsh and junior Nick Gonzalez; Franklin senior Jacobo Wedemeyer; Coronado senior Jennelle Jaeger-Daraksy and Franklin sophomore Eva Jess. Class 5A – Hanks juniors Michael Abeyta and Rodger Rivera; Eastlake teammates freshman Israel David and senior Carlos Armendariz; Chapin junior Angel Contreras; Andress senior Chauncey Wilkes; Jefferson freshman Crystal Peterson and Eastlake seniors Aeriel Garcia and Amaris Chavez. Class 4A – Mt. View junior Nicole Estrada.

Make Plans

What: UIL State Cross Country Championship.

When:  Saturday Nov. 3. All times (CST): Girls Class 6A, 8:30 a.m.; Boys Class 6A, 9:10 a.m.; Boys Class 3A, 12:10 p.m.; Girls Class 4A, 1:20 p.m.; Boys Class 4A, 1:50 p.m.; Girls Class 5A, 2;30 p.m.; Boys Class 5A, 3:10 p.m.

Where: Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

At Stake: State team and individual titles.

BurgesBoys
The strength of the Burges team is its depth. Sophomore David Gonzalez was 28th at the Region 1-5A Championship and senior Luis Cuevas was 41st.

As the Burges Mustangs cross country team prepares for its second straight Class 5A UIL State Cross Country Championship, head coach Alex Smith remains calm.

The veteran coach rarely shows emotion.

Even at the regional championship where the Mustangs squeezed in to earn the final spot to Round Rock with a fourth place finish, one point behind Canyon Randall and eight points ahead of Aledo, Smith remained stoic.

OK, he cracked a smile, a tiny one, but a smile nevertheless.

“I felt that we were strong enough to move on,” he said. “Out of the runners who are going, three of them were here last year so based on that I thought we had a very good chance of going back to state.”

Senior Sam Zambrano led the way at regionals finishing 11th in 15:47.00.

Returning from the 2017 state team are three seniors –  Zambrano, Luis Cuevas and Angel Ortiz – junior Noah Yeager and sophomores David Gonzalez, Dylan Walker and Luis Holguin.

SamZambrano
Burges senior Sam Zambrano is making his third state appearance. This is the second consecutive year the team has advanced to the state meet.

Burges finished 14th at last year’s state meet.

“With the way that we’ve been running, I would love to come in the top 10,” Smith said. “At one point during the season I thought we were a top 5 team but the way things have panned out, I think it would be very good if we finished in the top 10.”

Zambrano said this season has been rebuilding year.

“We had a fourth senior who decided not to run this year so we had to add two new sophomores,” he said. “We were actually a little surprised that we made it back to state. We knew we could make it but we weren’t sure until the very end.”

He said the team is now focused.

“Anything can happen at state,” he said. “For me, I focus on what we are working on that day. I don’t like looking past what we have to do. We just have to do our jobs. We all know what we have to do.”

Zambrano is looking for a top 20 performance for himself and a top 10 finish for his team.

“Last year we didn’t do as well as we thought we could have,” he said. “Hopefully, we can go top 10 or maybe a top seven if everything goes well. We just have to believe in ourselves and run together as a whole.”

This will be his third state meet.

AngelOrtizBurges
Senior Angel Ortiz has been steady all season for the Mustangs. His points will be very important if the Mustangs hope to finish in the top 10 at state.

“It’s my senior year so I really want to do well,” he said. “I’m going to be nervous, I always get anxious before the start but once the gun goes off, I calm my nerves and start to run on pace and just try to place myself in a good position.”

Burges appears to be peaking at the right time.

“Last year, I knew our team would be good enough to advance to state and we did it,” he said. “This year, I knew we could do it as well but we weren’t working as a unit in the beginning of the season so I was worried about that.”

Mentally and physically, the Mustangs are ready to toe the line with the best Texas has to offer.

“We’re in the right frame of mind right now,” Zambrano said. “Physically, we are ready, we just have to put it all out there and compete. This is it, there are no tomorrows, it’s our last run together so we have to go out there and give it our all.”

San Elizario chasing 5th State Title

State Championship Previews

Saturday: Cathedral boys.

SundayTornillo boys.

Monday: San Elizario boys.

Tuesday: Burges boys.

Wednesday: Eastwood boys and girls.

Thursday: Americas boys.

Friday: Individual qualifiers. Class 6A – Coronado, senior Liam Walsh, junior Nick Gonzalez and senior Jennelle Jaeger-Daraksy; Franklin senior Jacobo Wedemeyer and Franklin sophomore Eva Jess. Class 5A – Hanks juniors Michael Abeyta and Rodger Rivera; Eastlake’s freshman Israel David and seniors Carlos Armendariz, Aeriel Garcia and Amaris Chavez; Chapin junior Angel Contreras; Andress senior Chauncey Wilkes and Jefferson freshman Crystal Peterson. Class 4A – Mt. View junior Nicole Estrada.

Make Plans

What: UIL State Cross Country Championship.

When:  Saturday Nov. 3. All times (CST): Girls Class 6A, 8:30 a.m.; Boys Class 6A, 9:10 a.m.; boys Class 3A, 12:10 p.m.; Girls Class 4A, 1:20 p.m.; Boys Class 4A, 1:50 p.m.; Girls Class 5A, 2;30 p.m.; Boys Class 5A, 3:10 p.m.

Where:  Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

At Stake: State team and individual titles.

SanEli@District
San Elizario will race for its fifth consecutive Class 4A state championship Saturday at 1:50 p.m. (CST) at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

Overcoming adversity is nothing new for the San Elizario cross country.

Before the season even began, the four-time defending Class 4A state champions faced a daunting challenge when All State runner junior Rene Arambula broke his left ankle and was thought to be lost for the season.

Yet, they picked themselves up and won five team championships without him behind sophomore Edwin Gomez who won the Region 1-4A title and the District 1-4A championship.

Arambula, who finished fifth at last year’s state meet surprisingly did return and contributed to San Elizario’s fifth straight district.

So, it’s no surprise how the Eagles have approached this week’s training after placing an uncharacteristic third at the region race behind Andrews and Canyon, who moved down from Class 5A.

Edwin@District
San Elizario sophomore Edwin Gomez will attempt to defend his individual Class 4A state title and lead the Eagles to its fifth state championship.

San Elizario had won the previous four Region 1-4A crowns.

“I’m not going to lie, in the beginning, the ride home was hard,” said Cesar Morales, San Elizario’s coach. “I knew after the first mile of the race it was going to be tough. I was missing one of my runners due to personal issues, but even without him, the goal was always going to be the same and that was going to be to qualify for state.”

Which they did.

“This was a good thing,” he said. “We needed this wake-up call. It’s not always good to finish on top. I would rather have a group of hard workers than having a team full of talent.”

The regional results have grounded and humbled the team.

“Training has been more focused and the kids have been more united,” Morales said. “There is pressure to win state but not as much if we would have won regionals. The kids are relaxed now and are humble. The know it’s going to be tough.”

Arambula said the team has been working hard.

“We have a purpose now,” he said. “We have to keep moving forward and use regionals as motivation. Our mission is always to improve with every race. Regionals didn’t go as planned but that’s part of it, we just have to get better and move on.”

IrvinVasquezSanEli
Freshman Irvin Vasquez (580) was 22nd at last week’s Region 1-4A Championship. He will be counted on heavily to help the Eagles to a fifth state championship.

He said the regional loss will serve as a reminder of the work required to win a state championship.

“I’m confident about chances,” he said. “We’re not going to be pushed out that easily.  We’re going to give it our best, that’s something we pride ourselves in at San Eli, we never give up.”

Morales said he is impressed with the way the team has responded.

“The kids are very motivated and are willing to work even harder,” he said. “They know it’s not going to be easy. They know our work is not done. They know everyone is going to have to improve several seconds but they also know it’s very, very possible. Now it’s a matter of making the right adjustments. The team has recommitted itself to our ultimate goal.”

Tornillo hopes to rebound with strong state performance

State Championship Previews

Saturday: Cathedral boys.

Sunday: Tornillo boys.

Monday: San Elizario boys.

Tuesday: Burges boys.

Wednesday: Eastwood boys and girls.

Thursday: Americas boys.

Friday: Individual qualifiers. Class 6A – Coronado, senior Liam Walsh, junior Nick Gonzalez and senior Jennelle Jaeger-Daraksy; Franklin senior Jacobo Wedemeyer and Franklin sophomore Eva Jess. Class 5A – Hanks juniors Michael Abeyta and Rodger Rivera; Eastlake’s freshman Israel David and seniors Carlos Armendariz, Aeriel Garcia and Amaris Chavez; Chapin junior Angel Contreras; Andress senior Chauncey Wilkes and Jefferson freshman Crystal Peterson. Class 4A – Mt. View junior Nicole Estrada.

Make Plans

What: UIL State Cross Country Championship.

When:  Saturday Nov. 3. All times (CST): Girls Class 6A, 8:30 a.m.; Boys Class 6A, 9:10 a.m.; Boys Class 3A, 12:10 p.m.; Girls Class 4A, 1:20 p.m.; Boys Class 4A, 1:50 p.m.; Girls Class 5A, 2:30 p.m.; Boys Class 5A, 3:10 p.m.

Where:  Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

At Stake: State team and individual titles.

TornilloTeam
Tornillo is headed back to state for the ninth time in 10 years. They are looking to improve on their back-to-back silver medal performances.

Tornillo’s quest for five consecutive Region 1-3A championship came to an abrupt end last week.

And that could be a good thing heading into this week’s UIL State Cross Country Championship.

“It’s not a good feeling giving away that streak of regional championships that we’ve worked so hard for,” coach Jesse Garcia said. “It’s just one of those things. It’s hard to accept second place. Maybe those kids wanted it a little bit more than we did.”

Tornillo had a run of four straight team and individual championships. Both ended as Boyd’s fifth runner Noah Richardson out leaned Tornillo’s fifth guy Heriberto Amaya at the finish line. Boyd won it with 89 points followed by Tornillo with 91 and Crane with 94 points.

Tornillo’s junior Ofir Ortega was second overall in 16:04.70. Dimmitt senior Jace Sanchez was the region champion in 15:58.70.

“Sure, we lost the streak but I would rather be humbled at regionals than have it happen to us at state,” Garcia said.

The team – Ortega, seniors Amaya, Eduardo Carrillo and Tommy Montelongo; sophomores Bryan Garcia and Michael Maney and freshman Raymundo Feliz – are looking to rebound at the state meet.

“I knew it was going to be a fight, I knew Boyd was going to come after us and they did,” Garcia said. “The main message I had for the guys is we are not going to be scared of being in a fight. We’re going to come back hungrier for that next race. It doesn’t matter who is going to be on that line, Boyd or any other school, we are we’re going to take it to them. We’re going to do our best.”

If anything, the regional race showed the Coyotes the importance of the four, five, six and seven runners.

OfirOrtega@Horizon
Tornillo junior Ofir Ortega hopes to have a top 10 state performance. Last year he was 19th in 16:45.79.

“Every runner matters,” said Maney. “I now know the importance that every single teammate has on the eventual score. To get where we want to be, we all have to come together and win it as a group.”

In his first season of cross country, Maney has been the consistent fourth or fifth runner for Tornillo.

He finished 32nd overall (17:44.60) and fourth on the team at regionals.

Maney said being upset at regionals, will motivate his team.

“Over the past four years the seniors have won regionals and have made it to state so getting second place was a wakeup call for us. It’s something that’s going to give us that little extra drive to win state and try to get another medal.”

The focus is now firmly on the state meet where Tornillo will try to unseat Luling who have won eight straight Class 3A championships.

“I don’t think state is going to be a low scoring affair,” Garcia said. “There isn’t just one team that’s going to dominate. The top four teams could easily end up in first or fourth place, that’s how close it’s going to be. I see a 20-point difference between first to fifth place.”

EduradoCarrillo
Tornillo senior Eduardo Carrillo needs to run a solid race in order for the Coyotes to medal at state. Carrillo ran a 16:19.52 at last year’s state meet, good for 11th place.

Despite the disappointing regional finish, Garcia is encouraged by his team.

“I saw the guys fight like they never have before,” he said. “That tells me that we’re mentally prepared for whatever is going to happen. Last year we had guys who were more prepared and seasoned but somehow, against all odds, I have a strange feeling about this group of boys.”

Garcia remains confident that the Coyotes can get back to the state medal stand where they have finished with silver medals the past two years.

“We are on the brink,” he said. “If they just follow the vision and they stick with one another, they are going to surprise a lot of people at the end of that race.”

 

TAPPS State Championship within Cathedral’s reach; Loretto and LPI to also compete

State Championship Previews:

Saturday: Cathedral boys.

Sunday: Tornillo boys.

Monday: San Elizario boys.

Tuesday: Burges boys.

Wednesday: Eastwood boys and girls.

Thursday: Americas boys.

Friday: Individual qualifiers. Class 6A – Coronado, senior Liam Walsh, junior Nick Gonzalez and senior Jennelle Jaeger-Daraksy; Franklin senior Jacobo Wedemeyer and Franklin sophomore Eva Jess. Class 5A – Hanks juniors Michael Abeyta and Rodger Rivera; Eastlake’s freshman Israel David and seniors Carlos Armendariz, Aeriel Garcia and Amaris Chavez; Chapin junior Angel Contreras; Andress senior Chauncey Wilkes and Jefferson freshman Crystal Peterson. Class 4A – Mt. View junior Nicole Estrada.

Make Plans:

What: UIL State Cross Country Championship.

When:  Saturday Nov. 3. All times (CST): Girls Class 6A, 8:30 a.m.; Boys Class 6A, 9:10 a.m.; Boys Class 3A, 12:10 p.m.; Girls Class 4A, 1:20 p.m.; Boys Class 4A, 1:50 p.m.; Girls Class 5A, 2;30 p.m.; Boys Class 5A, 3:10 p.m.

Where:  Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

At Stake: State team and individual titles.

Seagreaves
Cathedral senior Brandon Seagreaves is chasing his third consecutive TAPPS State Championship on Monday.

If form holds true, Cathedral’s Fighting Irish are due to win the TAPPS Class 6A  State Championship on Monday.

Since 2015, the Irish have placed second, first in 2016 and second again in 2017.

With senior Brandon Seagreaves leading the way, the team seeks to capture its second state championship in four years.

“Training has been going well; the team is super encouraged,” Seagreaves said. “Pack wise, the team is closer than we have ever been. Everyone is running together.  This is the best team dynamic we’ve had all season.”

LorettoMartinez
Loretto sophomore Britney Martinez will lead the Angels to the Class 6A Cross Country Championship in Waco on Monday.

The TAPPS State Championship will be at 9 a.m., Oct. 29 at Cottonwood Creek Golf Course in Waco.

The team – Seagreaves; senior Steve Stresow; juniors Nico Maes and Fernando Anzures; sophomores Luis Gomez, Alberto Martinez and Andres Buckley; (junior Jacob Magallanes is the alternate) – will have to take the championship away from San Antonio Antonian.

Antonian won last year’s championship with 67 points, 9 ahead of Cathedral’s 76. Argyle Liberty Christian was not far behind with 81 points.

“San Antonio Antonian is always a big contender but this year it looks like Argyle Liberty Christian will be tough,” Seagreaves said. “Their 1 through 4 guys are really strong. San Antonio Central Catholic is really good, too. This is probably going to be the closest top four team finish at the TAPPS State Meet. It’s going to be a really competitive and tight race all the way through.”

And by the way, Seagreaves is chasing his third consecutive state championship.

“My goal is to put my toe on the line and do my best,” he said. “I have to make sure to give it 110 percent and whatever happens, happens.”

LPIBoys
Lydia Patterson Institute will race in the TAPPS Class 5A Cross Country Championship on Monday.

Loretto Academy will also run in Class 6A while the boys and girls of Lydia Patterson Institute will race in the Class 5A division.

The last time these teams ran was three weeks ago at the Clint ISD Invitational at Horizon Golf Course.

“I don’t think the layoff will have a negative impact on us,” Seagreaves said. “Racing week after week is pretty stressing on the body, it makes it hard to be fresh and be physically ready. Over an entire season of racing every week, you’re not always going to be 100 percent fresh.”

He said training has been going well.

“Being able to focus on just preparation and then tapering and being fresh is really comforting,” he said. “I try not to focus on what other people (teams) are doing. I hope they have a great race but the focus is on me and my team going out there and doing our best and hopefully coming out with the best result at the end.”

High School Boys XC Poll: Week 10

Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top cross country runners.

The system is as follows: In a race of less than 150 runners, first place gets 10 points, second gets 9 points all the way down to and 10th place which gets 1 point. For meets with between 150 to 300 runners, double points will be rewarded meaning 20 points for first, 19 for second all the way down to 1 point for 20th. For every additional 150 runners, another 10 runners will be included in the points.

For those who like raw times, we also list the Top 25 5K/3 mile boys and girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

For questions, videos and photos email vrmart66@gmail.com.

Edwin@McNeil
Americas, Tornillo and San Elizario traveled to Round Rock, Texas to compete at Old Settlers Park, the site of the UIL State Championship on Nov. 3.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers handily won the Region 1-5A Championship placing runners in the 4-6-7-8 and 15th positions for 40 points. Eastwood will make its second straight state appearance. Eastwood top five were Kayn Quinones (fourth, 15:32.30), Juan Olmos (sixth, 15:35.50), Sergio Cuartas (seventh, 15:37.30), Elias Perez (eighth, 15:39.90) and Eddie Gallegos (16th, 15:56.80). The UIL State Cross Country Championship is Nov. 3 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

2. Americas: The Trailblazers advanced to the UIL Class 6A State Championship for the first time in school history after finishing fourth in the Region of Doom. Tyler Rodriguez led the Trailblazers finishing 14thin 15:25.10 followed by Jacob Ye (22nd, 15:33.30), Jared Laverty (27th15:42.20), Alek Duran (44th, 15:58.50) and Gage Garcia (45th, 16:00.50).

3.  San Elizario: The Eagles advanced to the Class 4A state championship finishing third with 87 points. Edwin Gomez defended his individual title in 15:17.90. Rene Arambula was 12thin 16:28.50 followed by Irvin Vasquez (22nd, 16:49.10), Martin Pargas (25th, 16:53.70) and Dilan Sanchez (27th, 16:55.80). San Elizario will race for its fifth state championship in a row.

4. Coronado: The T-Birds placed eighth at the Region 1-6A Championship. Two runners – Liam Walsh (fifth, 15:08.60) and Nick Gonzalez (seventh, 15:12.10) – finished in the top 10 and will advance to the state meet.

5. Franklin: The Cougars placed tenth at the Region 1-6A Championship. Senior Jacobo Wedemeyer was 13thin 15:26.10 and will advance to the state meet.

6. Burges:  The Mustangs advance to the Class 5A State Championship for the second consecutive year after its fourth place finish at regionals. Sam Zambrano was the No. 1 for Burges finishing 11thin 15:47.00. David Gonzalez placed 25 in 16:24.30 followed by Luis Cuevas (37th, 16:43.40), Noah Yeager (40th, 16:45.40) and Angel Ortiz (47th, 16:53.70).

7. Hanks: The Knights move up one spot after its sixth place finish at the Region 1-5A Championship. Juniors Michael Abeyta and Rodger Rivera finished back to back AGAIN this time second and third in times of 15:12.70 and 15:20.40. Both will advance to the state championship. Defending state champ Graydon Morris from Aledo win the region in 14:34.40.

8. Tornillo: Tornillo moves up a spot after placing second at the Region 1-3A Championship. The Coyotes will advance to the state meet. Top runners were Ofir Ortega (second, 16:04.70), Eddie Carrillo (fourth, 16:23.50), Bryan Garcia (19th, 17:24.80) and Heribeto Amaya (34th, 17:46.60).

 9. Chapin: The Huskies finished 9th in the Region 1-5A race and move up a spot. Junior Angel Contreras qualified for state after his 16th place finish in 15:57.50.

 10. Eastlake: The Falcons move down three spots. Eastlake finished 10that the Region 1-5A meet but qualified two runners – Israel David (12th, 15:48.90) and Carlos Armendariz (14th, 15:55.40) – to state.

 Dropped out: Jefferson.
On the verge: Cathedral.

BoysHillChamizal
The season came to end for many cross country teams. The season was filled with many highs and lows, just like the course at the Chamizal National Memorial.

Top 25 Times (5K/3mile)

1, Michael Abeyta, Hanks, 14:32.48 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

2, Elias Perez, Eastwood, 14:37.0 (Woodbridge Classic, 9/15).

3, Sergio Leon Cuartas, Eastwood, 14:52.5 (Woodbridge Classic, 9/15)

4, Juan Olmos, Eastwood, 14:55.2 (Woodbridge Classic, 9/15).

5, Rodger Rivera, Hanks, 14:59:46 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

6, Kayn Quinones, Eastwood, 15:03.3 (Woodbridge Classic, 9/15).

7, Liam Walsh, Coronado, 15:08.60 (Mae Simmons, 10/22).

8, Nathan Hernandez, Eastwood, 15:13.4 (Woodbridge Classic, 9/15).

9, Edwin Gomez, San Elizario, 15:14.85 (NcNeil Invitational, 9/29).

10, Nick Gonzalez, Coronado, 15:12.10 (Mae Simmons, 10/22).

11, Eddie Gallegos, Eastwood, 15:22.9 (Woodbridge Classic, 9/15).

12, Israel David, Eastlake, 15:24:52 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

13, Tyler Rodriguez, Americas, 15:25:10 (Mae Simmons Park, 10/22).

14, Jacobo Wedemeyer, Franklin, 15:26.10 (Mae Simmons, 10/22).

15, Victor Parra, Eastwood, 15:31.8 (Woodbridge Classic, 9/15).

16, Jacob Ye, Americas, 15:39.67 (McNeil Invitational, 9/29).

17, Sam Zambrano, Burges, 15:47.00 (Mae Simmons, 10/22).

18, Ofir Ortega, Tornillo, 15:47.21 (Tornillo Invitational, 9/8).

19, Brandon Seagraves, Cathedral, 15:47:50 (Desert Twilight, 9/28).

20, Alek Duran, Americas, 15:48:30 (McNeil Invitational, 9/29).

21, Alan Alba, Coronado, 15:48.83 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

22, Carlos Armendariz, Eastlake, 15:51.12 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

23, Jared Laverty, Americas, 15:51.29 (McNeil Invitational, 9/29).

24, Aaron Perez, Eastwood, 15:56.30 (Tornillo Invitational, 9/8).

25, Angel Contreras, Chapin, 15:57.50 (Mae Simmons, 10/22).

BoysStartChamizal
Many runners earned “personal bests” at last week’s Regional Cross Country Championship.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Edwin Gomez, San Eli, 119 (7).

2, Michael Abeyta, Hanks, 83 (3).

3, Rodger Rivera, Hanks, 77 (1).

4, Liam Walsh, Coronado, 69 (1).

5, Nicholas Gonzalez, Coronado, 67 (2).

6, Ofir Ortega, Tornillo, 61 (1).

7, Chauncey Wilkes, Andress, 55 (2).

8, Eduardo Carrillo, Tornillo, 46 (1).

9, Tyler Rodriguez, Americas, 44 (1).

9, Israel David, Eastlake, 44.

 

Brandon Seagraves, Cathedral, 42 (2).

Juan Olmos, Eastwood, 41.

Jacobo Wedemeyer, Franklin, 38.

Elias Perez, Eastwood, 38.

Jacob Ye, Americas, 33.

Kayn Quinones, Eastwood, 32.

Sam Zambrano, Burges, 32.

Seth Rodriguez, San Eli, 30.

Mario Luna, Socorro, 26.

Alan Alba, Coronado, 24.

Carlos Armendariz, Eastlake, 24.

Angel Contreras, Chapin, 23.

Alek Duran, Americas, 20.

Sergio Leon Cuartas, Eastwood, 19.

David Gonzalez, Burges, 18.

Carmelo Corral, Americas, 17.

D’Angelo Flores, Jefferson, 17.

Rene Arambula, San Eli, 16.

Martin Pargas, San Eli, 15.

Eddie Gallegos, Eastwood, 15.

Trenton Nelson, Montwood, 15.

Jared Laverty, Americas, 15.

Aaron Perez, Eastwood, 14.

Irvin Vasquez, San Eli, 12.

Christian Parra, Socorro, 11.

Sebastian Mendoza, Socorro, 9.

Noah Yeager, Burges, 9.

Josep Ferret, El Paso, 9.

Dilan Sanchez, San Eli,7.

Jacob Ordonez, San Eli, 6.

Steve Stresow, Cathedral, 6.

Angel Ortiz, Burges, 6.

Gage Garcia, Americas, 6.

Nathan Hernandez, Eastwood, 6.

Lloyd Frilot, Andress, 6.

Heriberto Amaya, Tornillo, 6.

Gael Hernandez, Fabens, 5.

Matthew Lindsey, Montwood, 5.

Uciel Garcia, Jefferson 5.

Jordy Cortez, Jefferson, 4.

Zach Sanchez, Andress, 4.

Joshua Pineda, Pebble Hills, 4.

Adrian Morales, Irvin, 4.

Dylan Espinosa, Bowie, 4.

Evan Rubio, Ysleta, 3.

Hector Rivera, Bel Air, 3.

Luis Cuevas, Burges, 3.

Andres Marquez, Eastwood, 3.

Joshua Gonzalez, Mt. View, 3.

Sebastian Mendoza, Socorro, 3.

Mario Garcia. Mt. View, 3.

Jose Nilo, Austin, 2.

Joaquin Ortega, Chapin, 2.

Daniel Kennedy, Franklin, 2.

Hector Sanchez, Americas, 1.

Abraham Navarez, Parkland, 1.

Matthew Avila, El Paso, 1.

Jorge Navor, Eastwood, 1.

Felipe Rocha, Clint, 1.

 

 

High School Girls XC Poll: Week 10

Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top cross country runners.

The system is as follows: In a race of less than 150 runners, first place gets 10 points, second gets 9 points all the way down to and 10th place which gets 1 point. For meets with between 151 to 300 runners, double points will be rewarded meaning 20 points for first, 19 for second all the way down to 1 point for 20th. For every additional 150 runners, another 10 runners will be included in the points.

For those who like raw times, we also list the Top 25 5K/3-mile boys and girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

For questions, videos and photos email vrmart66@gmail.com.

GirlsPackDV
Eastwood is the only girl’s team standing. The young Troopers finished third in the Region 1-5A Championship and advanced to state.

Top 10

 1. Eastwood: The Troopers are off to state. Running in Class 5A this year, Eastwood finished third with 127 points. Eastwood placed three runners in the top 30 – freshman Lauren Walls (seventh, 18:38.80), juniors Meadow Ortiz (17th, 19:29.30) and Eileen McLain (26th, 19:49.20).  The team will race at the UIL State Championship on Nov. 3 in Round Rock. Eastwood is the only team still alive.

2. Franklin: The Cougars 2018 team run ended with a ninth place finish at the Region 1-6A Championship but not for sophomore Eva Jess who finished eighth in 17:46.05. She will advance to the UIL State Championship on Nov. 3 in Round Rock. Senior Amalia Dorion end her high school cross country career with a top 40 finish in a time of 19:12.21.

 3. Americas: The Trailblazers finished 11th at the Region 1-6A Championship with 308 points. Junior Daphne Duran was the only top 30 runner, placing 27th in 18:43.40. The team’s average time 19:48.49.

4. Jefferson: The Foxes finished seven points short of moving on to the state championship, placing fifth with 143 points. Fort Worth Boswell earned the last spot with 136 points. Freshman Crystal Peterson was fifth in 18:33.00 and advances to the state meet. Freshman Monique Correa and sophomore Melody Tsuitsum had top 25 finishes.

 5. Coronado: The T-Birds placed 12th at the Region 1-6A Championship with an average time of 19:51.43. Senior Jennelle Jaeger-Darakjy was sixth overall in 17:44.43 and will advance to the state meet.

6. Eastlake: Eastlake was ninth at the Region 1-5A championship with 177 points. Two runners, classmates Aeriel Garcia and Amaris Chavez finished eighth and 11th and qualified for State. The team’s average time was 19:54.30.

7. Socorro:The Bulldogs finished the season with a fourth place finish at last week’s District 1-6A Championship. Junior Jazmin Chacon did advance to the Regional meet where she was 55th in 19:26.58.

8. Burges: The Mustangs finished 13th at the Region 1-5A Championship. Burges had two top 40 runners – freshman Annette Guzman (19th, 19:37.70) and senior Natalie Jimenez (37th, 20:12.00).

9. Horizon: The Scorpions placed 16th at the Region 1-5A championship. Senior Kenia Enriquez was the top runner finishing 30th in 19:58.50.

10. San Elizario: The Eagles finished the season placing in 13th place at the Region 1-4A meet. Sophomore America Morales was 22nd in 12:45.40 (2 mile), just missing out on her second state appearance.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: None.

GIrlsPackChamizal
El Paso’s distance runners had a competitive cross country season. From beginning to end, the races where always close.

Top 25 Times (5K/3Mile)

1, Eva Jess, Franklin, 17:31.08 (Desert Twilight, 9/28).

2, Jennelle Jaeger-Darakjy, Coronado, 17:44.43 (Mae Simmons Park, 10/22).

3, Aeriel Garcia, Eastlake, 17:49.17 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

4, Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 18:33.00 (Mae Simmons Park, 10/22).

5, Meadow Ortiz, Eastwood, 18:36.0 (Woodbridge Classic, 9/15).

6, Amaris Chavez, Eastlake, 18:38.59 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

7, Eileen Mclain, Eastwood, 18:38.6 (Woodbridge Classic, 9/15).

8, Lauren Walls, Eastwood, 18:38.80 (Mae Simmons Park, 10/22).

9, Daphne Duran, Americas, 18:43.40 (Mae Simmons Park, 10/22).

10, Skyler Goodman, Chapin, 18:48.55 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

11, Amalia Dorion, Franklin, 19:12.21 (Mae Simmons Park, 10/22).

12, Sophia Flores, Coronado, 19:12.66 (Mae Simmons Park, 10/22).

13, Lauren Villareal, Eastwood, 19:15.3 (Woodbridge Classic, 9/25).

14, Monique Correa, Jefferson, 19:18.55 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

15, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19:28.27 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

16, Jazmin Chacon, Socorro, 19:26.58 (Mae Simmons Park, 10/22).

17, Melody Tsutsumi, Jefferson, 19:28.74 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

18, Karen Garcia, Jefferson 19:31.80 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

19, Morayma Montes, Austin, 19:33.63 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

20, Emily Hernandez, Eastlake, 19:34.68 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

21, Lauren Anderson, Americas, 19:35.23 (Mae Simmons Park, 10/22).

22, Jenna Saunders, Franklin 19:36.70 (Mae Simmons, 10/22).

23, Lorien Clark, Franklin 19:38.52 11 (Northeast Regional Park, 9/15).

24, Destiny Martinez, Eastwood, 19:39.6 (Woodbridge Classic, 9/15).

25, Priscilla Villalobos, Americas, 19:41.16 (Mae Simmons Park, 10/22).

GirlsStart2
The season took runners to some beautiful courses such as this one at the Don Haskins Recreation Center hosted by Franklin.

Power rankings
(number in parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Eva Jess, Franklin, 95 (7).

2, Jennelle Jaeger-Darakjy, Coronado, 88 (2).

3, Aeriel Garcia, Eastlake, 76 (2).

4, Amalia Dorion, Franklin, 51.

4, Skyler Goodman, Chapin, 51.

6, Daphne Duran, Americas, 43.

7, Kenia Enriquez, Horizon, 40.

8, Lauren Walls, Eastwood, 39 (1).

9, Amaris Chavez, Eastlake, 36.

10, Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 34 (1).

Angeline Lujan, Parkland, 32 (2).

Morayma Montes, Austin, 29.

Sophia Flores, Coronado, 28.

Marisol Hernandez, El Paso, 27.

America Morales, San Elizario, 25.

Priscilla Villalobos, Americas, 24.

Jazmin Chacon, Socorro, 24 (1).

Nicole Estrada, Mt. View, 24 (1).

Lauren Anderson, Americas, 23.

Britney Martinez, Loretto, 21.

Vivian Zapata, Clint, 21.

Natalie Jimenez, Burges, 18.

Monique Correa, Jefferson, 18.

Meadow Ortiz, Eastwood, 17.

Eileen McLain, Eastwood, 14.

Brisa Aguilar, Clint, 12.

Destiny Beltran, Horizon, 11.

Janeth Chacon, Socorro, 10.

Deserie Herrera, Eastlake, 10.

Melody Tsutsumi, Jefferson, 10.

Mariana Guzman, Americas, 9.

Diane Mena, Montwood, 9.

Ivette Rojas, Jefferson, 9.

Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 8.

Marcela Perches, Loretto, 6.

Jocelyn Castro, Fabens, 6.

Lilian Breceda, Coronado, 6.

Madeline Estrada, Mt. View, 6.

Natalia Perez, San Elizario, 6.

Jacqueline Castillo, Clint, 6.

Destiny Martinez, Eastwood, 6.

Emilia Fontes, Socorro, 5.

Karyme Garcia, Montwood, 5.

Katelyn Robles, Del Valle, 5.

Evonna Walker, Burges, 5.

Emily Guerrero, San Elizario, 5.

Rosalinda Reza, Mt. View, 4.

Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 4.

Ana Rojas, Socorro, 4.

Lorien Clark, Franklin, 4.

Demi Garcia, Socorro, 3.

Lynette Rocha, Clint, 3.

Caryn Hart, Andress, 3.

Valerie Gonzalez, Pebble Hills, 2.

Jordan Torres, Franklin, 2.

Amaryllis Rubalcaba, Eastwood, 2.

Jalyn Guardado, Coronado, 2.

Karen Garcia, Jefferson, 1.

Amaya Foran, Andress, 1.

Natalia Espinosa, Montwood, 1.

Paulina Friare, Hanks, 1.

Saxon Alvarez, Jefferson, 1.

Desiree Carrillo, Eastwood, 1.

Anise Robles, Del Valle, 1.

Karina Gallegos San Elizario, 1

Jaqueline Spencer, Hanks, 1.

 

 

Region 1 Roundup: Americas boys, Eastwood girls make team history; 6 teams, 15 individuals advance to state

State Championship Previews

Sunday: Tornillo boys.

Monday: San Elizario boys.

Tuesday: Burges boys.

Wednesday: Eastwood boys and girls.

Thursday: Americas boys.

Friday: Individual qualifiers. Class 6A – Coronado runners senior Liam Walsh, junior Nick Gonzalez and senior Jennelle Jaeger-Daraksy; Franklin senior Jacobo Wedemeyer and sophomore Eva Jess. Class 5A – Hanks juniors Michael Abeyta and Rodger Rivera; Eastlake’s freshman Israel David and seniors Carlos Armendariz, Aeriel Garcia and Amaris Chavez; Chapin junior Angel Contreras; Andress senior Chauncey Wilkes and Jefferson freshman Crystal Peterson. Class 4A – Mt. View junior Nicole Estrada.

Make Plans

What: UIL State Cross Country Championship.

When:  Saturday Nov. 3. All times (CST): Girls Class 6A, 8:30 a.m.; Boys Class 6A, 9:10 a.m.; Boys Class 3A, 12:10 p.m.; Girls Class 4A, 1:20 p.m.; Boys Class 4A, 1:50 p.m.; Girls Class 5A, 2;30 p.m.; Boys Class 5A, 3:10 p.m.

Where:  Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

At Stake: State team and individual titles.

Americas
Americas made history by become the first team from the school to advance to the UIL State Cross Country Championship.

The Americas boys and the Eastwood girls cross country teams walked off the 3-mile course at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock Monday fully aware of the significance of their performance at the Region 1 Cross Country Championship.

For the first time in their respective school’s history – they qualified for the UIL State Cross Country Championships Nov. 3 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

Americas boys finished fourth with 134 points, earning themselves the final spot to the state meet. Southlake Carroll won the Region of Doom with 79 points followed by Lewisville Flower Mound (95) and Kelller (117).

Lewisville Marcus was fifth, four points behind Americas.

Tyler

Tyler Rodriguez was the Trailblazers No. 1 finishing 14th in 15:25.10 followed by Jacob Ye (22nd, 15:33.30), Jared Laverty (27th15:42.20), Alek Duran (44th, 15:58.50) and Gage Garcia (45th, 16:00.50).

Also headed to state out of Class 6A are Coronado’s Liam Walsh (5th,15:08.60) and Nick Gonzalez (8th, 15:12.10) and Franklin’s Jacobo Wedemeyer (15th, 15:26.10).

Coronado’s boy finished in eighth place with 255 points and Franklin was 10th with 278 points.

Jennelle Jaeger-Daraksy from Coronado finished sixth on the girl’s side in 17:44.43, two spots ahead of Franklin’s Eva Jess (17:46.05). Both qualified to the state championship.

Lewisville Flower Mound won the meet with 77 points followed by Southlake Carroll (89), Keller (91) and  Coppell (107), all four qualified to the state meet.

Franklin was ninth with 269 points, Americas 11th with 308 and Coronado was 12th with 331.

EastwoodGirs@District
The Eastwood girls qualified for the state championship for the first time, placing third with 127 points. Freshman Lauren Walls was seventh in 18:38.80.

The Eastwood girls qualified for the state championship for the first time, placing third with 127 points.

Eastwood’s top five were Lauren Walls (seventh, 18:38.80), Meadow Ortiz (19th, 19:29.30), Eileen McLain (29th, 19:49.20), Lauren Villareal (44th, 20:13.70) and Destiny Martinez (45th, 20:16,50).

Also qualifying for state in Class 5A are Jefferson’s Crystal Peterson (5th, 18:33.00), Eastlake’s Aeriel Garcia (8th, 18:43.70) and Amaris Chavez (11th, 18:55.90).

Grapevine won the team title with 94 points followed by Amarillo (109), Eastwood (127) and Fort Worth Boswell (136).

Jefferson was 5th with 143 points – 7 points shy of qualifying for state –  Eastlake was 9th with 177 points, Burges 13th (387 points), Horizon 16th (473 points) and Canutillo was 19th (517).

Eastlake
Eastlake did not qualify a team to state but for individuals will represent the Falcons – freshman Israel David, seniors Aeriel Garcia, Amaris Chavez and and seniors Carlos Armendariz.

The Eastwood boys introduced themselves to Region 1-5A by easily winning the Region 1-5A meet placing it’s scoring runners in 4-6-7-8 and 15th place for 40 points to earn a trip to the state championship. Burges also advances with a 4th place finish.

Grapevine was second with 119 points and Canyon Randall third with 159 points.

Eastwood top five were Kayn Quinones (fourth, 15:32.30), Juan Olmos (sixth, 15:35.50), Sergio Cuartas (seventh, 15:37.30), Elias Perez (eighth, 15:39.90) and Eddie Gallegos (16th, 15:56.80).

Individually, the Hanks duo of Michael Abeyta and Rodger Rivera finished 2-3 in 15:12.70 and 15:20.40 to advance. Others to advance to state are Eastlake’s Israel David finished 13th in 15:48.90 and Carlos Armendariz was 16th in 15:56.80, Chapin’s Angel Contreras (18th, 15:57.50) and Andress’ Chauncey Wilkes (19th, 16:03.30).

As a team Hanks finished sixth with 188 points, Chapin ninth (260), Eastlake 10th (281) and Jefferson 12th (297).

SanEli
San Elizario finished third in Class 4A with 87 points. Edwin Gomez defended his individual title in 15:17.90. The four-time state champions will move on to the state meet to defend it’s title.

In two surprising results, San Elizario nor Tornillo were able to defend their regional team titles.

San Elizario finished third in Class 4A with 87 points. Edwin Gomez did defended his individual title in 15:17.90.

Andrews won the team title with 63 points, Canyon was second with 78 points, San Elizario third and Decatur fourth (117). All four teams will race for state championship.

Mt. View’s Nicole Estrada finished the girls Class 4A regional 2-mile race in 12:41.90 and qualified for the UIL State Meet. San Elizario’s girls finished in 13th place.

Tornillo
Tornillo finished second with 91 points and will advance to the state meet seeking its third consecutive medal.

Tornillo, the four-time defending Region 3A champ, just missed out on their fifth, finishing two points behind Boyd.

Tornillo finished second with 91 points and will advance to the state meet.

Ofir Ortega was second in 16:04.70 and Eddie Carrillo was fourth in 16:23.50

Class 6A Region Preview: Americas boys up to making school history; Jess and Jaeger-Darakjy seek return to state

Region 1 Previews

Friday: Class 4A and Class 3A.

Saturday: Class 5A.

Sunday: Class 6A.

Make Plans

What: Region 1 Cross Country Championship.

When:  Monday, Oct. 22. Times (CST): 6A Girls, 9 a.m.; 6A Boys, 9:30 a.m.; 3A Boys, noon; 4A Girls, 1 p.m.; 4A Boys, 1:30 p.m.; 5A Girls, 2 p.m.; 5A Boys, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Mae Simmons Park, MLK Blvd. and 24th Street in Lubbock.

At Stake: Top four teams and top 10 individuals not on a qualifying team advance to the UIL Cross Country State Championship, Nov. 3 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

AmericasinMudd
The Americas boys have competed in the worst of conditions this season. The 2018 version is looking to become the first Americas team to advance to the state championship.

Americas cross country coach Kenny Lucero is in a situation many coaches would love to be in.

The Trailblzers, who will compete in the Region 1-6A Championship on Monday, do not have a number one runner.

Instead, they have four runners capable of taking over a race.

“They are interchangeable parts,” Lucero said. “And that’s going to be a huge advantage at regionals. We see it every meet. Tyler (Rodriquez) was our No. 1, Jared Laverty, only a freshman, was our No.2 guy and Jacob (Ye) was our No. 3 guy so you saw those interchangeable parts work again at district.”

Americas has been steady all season, competing in Albuquerque, Lubbock and Round Rock.

“As we move on to regionals and state, if they all feel good on the same day, we could be very dangerous,” Lucero said of the boy’s chances of advancing to state.

JazmnChacon
Socorro junior Jazime Chacon finished fifth at the District 1-6A Championship, earning her a trip to the Regional Meet.

The Americas girls, the Coronado boys and girls and the Franklin boys and girls teams will also compete for a spot to the state meet as well as Jazmin Chacon and Mario Luna from Socorro and Matthew Lindesy from Montwood.

Last year, Franklin sophomore Eva Jess and Coronado seniors Liam Walsh and Jenelle Jaeger-Daraksy qualified out of Class 6A.

MatthewLindey
Montwood senior Matthew Lindsey is one of two runners not on a qualifying team to advance to regionals. Socorro’s Mario Luna is the other.

“Liam did great last year at regionals and made it to state; I was so proud of him,” said Nick Gonzalez, the District 1-6A champion from Coronado. “Being able to train with our teammates is great. It’s always been important to be able to train with Liam and Alan. We push each other at every workout and during the race. I am very thankful that I have them with me.”

Jess ran a 17:17.03 regional last year, good for fifth place.

“We are doing so great this year,” she said of her team. “We’ve been ranked No. 1 in the city five weeks in a row and ranked second one week so we’re doing really well. We’re all so happy to win district and to be able to go to regionals, that was our goal this year.”

Class 5A regional preview: Eastwood boys seek return to state; Abeyta has unfinished business

Region 1 Previews

Friday: Class 4A and Class 3A.

Saturday: Class 5A.

Sunday: Class 6A.

Make Plans

What: Region 1 Cross Country Championship.

When:  Monday, Oct. 22. Times (CST): 6A Girls, 9 a.m.; 6A Boys, 9:30 a.m.; 3A Boys, noon; 4A Girls, 1 p.m.; 4A Boys, 1:30 p.m.; 5A Girls, 2 p.m.; 5A Boys, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Mae Simmons Park, MLK Blvd. and 24th Street in Lubbock.

At Stake: Top three teams and top 10 individuals not on a qualifying team advance to the UIL Cross Country State Championship, Nov. 3 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

 

KaynQuinones
Eastwood senior Kayn Quinones said the out-of-team meets will help the Troopers in the next two races. Eastwood looks to return to the State Cross Country Meet, this time in Class 5A.

Senior Kayn Quinones and his Eastwood Troopers have experienced quite a few quality national and regional meets in the past two years.

Last fall, the Eastwood boys won the Region 1-6A Championship and finished third at the UIL State Cross Country Meet. They also placed third at the Nike South qualifying meet.

This year, the Troopers have competed at the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic in Irvine, Calif. and the pre-Nike Southwest Desert Twilight Classic in Casa Grande, Ariz. – an event which they won.

“Racing in those meets has made a huge difference for us,” Quinones said. “After Woodbridge, I don’t think anything could intimidate us; that start was just blazing. After that race, we knew we wouldn’t see anything like that the rest of the season and we would be fine continuing through.”

Because of UIL realignment, the Troopers are now competing for the Class 5A state championship.

“We need to continue the same thing we’ve been doing all season,” Quinones said of how the team is preparing for regionals. “We’re not going to change anything, we’re treating it just like another race.”

Quinones led the Troopers to its eighth district championship in row, finishing third behind the Hanks junior duo of Michael Abeyta and Rodger Rivera.

The Region 1-5A Championship will include six teams and 10 athletes from District 1-5A and 2-5A.

Eastwood’s boys and girls qualified as well as both boys and girls from Burges, Eastlake and Jefferson, Chapin and Hanks boys and the Canutillo and Horizon girls.

DavidGonzalezBurges
Burges sophomore David Gonzalez is going to need to a big Region 1-5A Championship performance if the Mustangs hope to advance to the state meet for the second row in a row.

The Burges boys are also looking to qualify to state for the second straight year.

Also qualifying as individuals are: Chauncey Wilkes and Lloyd Frilot, Andress; Adrian Morales, Irvin; Dylan Espinoza, Bowie; Mora Montes, Austin; Skyler Goodman, Chapin; Marisol Hernandez, El Paso; Caryn Hart, Andress; Angelina Lujan, Parkland and Jaqueline Spencer, Hanks.

Eastwood freshman Lauren Walls, came away with a surprise District 2-5A championship last Friday.

“We’ve had a really good season so far,” she said. “All the girls have improved with every race. It’s been an amazing experience to see us grow like we have.”

She is confident the Troopers will do well in Lubbock.

“We’re going to do great at regionals because we all have each other,” she said. “Each one of us is going to do her part and run the best we can and help each other. In summer track, I used focus on myself, now I realize there is something bigger and that it’s all about my team.”

The Jefferson girl’s have been building up for this moment all season.

“Hopefully, if everything goes well, we are hoping to make it to state,” said Alfredo Trejo, Jefferson’s coach. “We don’t care what place we finish at regionals, just as long as we get to state, that’s the one that counts.”

Girls1-5APackdistrict
The Eastwood, Jefferson, Eastlake, Canutillo, Horizon and Burges girls will compete for one of the top four spots at the Region 1-5A meet in Lubbock.

Andress senior Chauncey Wilkes won the individual title in District 1-5A.

He finished 28th in 15:59.99 at last year’s regional.

“I’m going to have to make a big jump with my time,” he said. “I know Michael (Abeyta) is running a 15:50 so If I want to be that guy who makes it to state I have to shave off another 40 seconds and be with him.”

Abeyta, the three-time District 2-5A champion, was second at last year’s regional 4 seconds behind Aledo’s Graydon Morris.

“I feel really confident about regionals,” he said “Our team has worked really hard, Rodger has worked hard, I’ve worked really hard, we all deserve to be going.”

Rivera said he feels confident about advancing to state.

“I’ve been working for this all summer, every day, trying to stay close to Michael,” he said. “My plan is to run with Michael and he’s going to take me all the way to state.”

 

Tornillo and San Elizario boys have 5th regional championships in sight; Arambula returns from injury

Region 1 Previews

Friday: Class 4A and Class 3A.

Saturday: Class 5A.

Sunday: Class 6A.

Make Plans

What: Region 1 Cross Country Championship.

When:  Monday, Oct. 22. Times (CST): 6A Girls, 9 a.m.; 6A Boys, 9:30 a.m.; 3A Boys, noon; 4A Girls, 1 p.m.; 4A Boys, 1:30 p.m.; 5A Girls, 2 p.m.; 5A Boys, 2:30 p.m.

Where: Mae Simmons Park, MLK Blvd. and 24th Street in Lubbock.

At Stake: Top three teams and top 10 individuals not on a qualifying team advance to the UIL Cross Country State Championship, Nov. 3 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

FelipeRochaClint
Clint senior Felipe Rocha will compete for a second trip to state after his 10 place finish at the District 1-4A meet where he outlasted San Elizario senior Martin Pargas.

The similarities between the San Elizario and Tornillo boys cross country teams are striking.

Each team just celebrated its fifth district championship.

Every year San Eli’s Cesar Morales and Tornillo’s Jesse Garcia  do more with less than any other coaches in the city.

On Monday morning, both will be going for their fifth regional championship in a row – San Elizario in Class 4A and Tornillo in Class 3A at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock.

“They have to want it, they have to want every inch, every step and they have to fight for it,” Garcia said about his Coyotes. “We will come out on top if we believe in one another and push one another and have that fight in them throughout the race.”

At last year’s regional meet, Tornillo finished 1-2-3-15 and 25.

HeribertoAmaya
Tornillo’s Heriberto Amaya was fifth at last week’s District 3-3A Championship. He is looking to help his team to it’s fifth regional championship in a row.

Eddie Carrillo, who just won the District 3-3A championship, was third and Ofir Ortega, who was the work house No. 1 guy for Tornillo, was 15th.

“I ran them heavy last week, this week we are tapering off a little bit so they can get their legs back and be ready for the big fight,” Garcia said. ‘It’s going to be very close and we’re going to need everything they’ve got.”

They will be challenged by district rival Crane which was just three points behind them at district.

“When we get back, we’ll make a few adjustments again and take what we’ve been wanting for a long time which is a state title,” Garcia said.

Winning a state title is old hat for San Elizario.

If they qualify on Monday, which is highly likely, the Eagles will be going after their fifth straight Class 4A state championship.

The return of junior Rene Arambula could not have come at a better time for San Elizario.

ReneA
San Elizario junior Rene Arambula eventually caught this Clint runner to take third at the District 1-4A Championship. Arambula made his return four weeks ago after breaking his right ankle.

Arambula, who was second at last year’s regional, was thought to be lost for the season after he broke his right ankle in an ATV accident in the summer.

“It’s a great feeling being back; I missed running a lot,” he said after finishing third at the district meet. “It was tough being out. I was frustrated, having (emotional) breakdowns, trying to keep calm and give my body a rest.”

Arambula was in a cast for two months. He just started walking six weeks ago and ran his first race – at the JV level – four weeks ago.

“When the doctor told me I could run again, I was excited and happy but I knew I wouldn’t be immediately back to normal,” he said. “It took me about two weeks to get back to a steady pace.”

His first varsity race was two weeks at the Horizon Golf Course.

“I was really anxious to get back but it wasn’t about me, I wanted to get back for my team,” he said. “I knew I had failed them and I wanted to get back to them as quickly as possible.”

Morales is happy Arambula is back.

“It has been an incredible recovery for Rene,” he said. “As soon as he got the clearance from the doctor, that same day, he started running. We spoke about being smart about it and not just going out and running 10 miles right away.”

Morales was impressed by how patient Arambula has been.

“He’s a hard working kid,” Morales said. “I knew he was going to come back. I saw a big improvement from his JV race to his Horizon race not only in competition but a big improvement on a daily basis at practice. I had to put him varsity.”

Arambula is no longer going to take running for granted.

“As soon as it happened, I sent a text message to my coach and my teammates telling them that more than likely I was out for the season,” he said. “It would be a long shot if I was going to be back. But now that I’m back, I’m going to work hard and push myself but more importantly, try to push my team.”

Mt.View-ClingGirls
Clint junior Brisa Aguilar out kicked Mt. View freshman Madeline Estrada at the District 1-4A meet last week. Both runners will compete in Monday’s Region 1-4A Championship in Lubbock.

The San Elizario girls also qualified for regionals along with the Fabens boys, the Clint girls and Mt. View’s boys and girls team.

Clint senior Felipe Rocha, finished in the top 10 at district and qualified as an individual.

Mt. View sophomore Joshua Gonzalez was 14th at regionals and advanced to state, as did San Elizario junior Yajary Quiroz and sophomore America Morales.