On this blog you will find weekly profiles on runners of all levels and ages, top 10 high school cross country boys and girls teams along with the top 25 times. You will be able to find schedules and results for high school cross country and track, the USA Track & Field Border Association meets and the many road races in El Paso.
The defending UIL Class 5A state champion Eastwood Troopers and El Paso’s top runner Hanks senior Michael Abeyta ran their first race of the 2019 season on Saturday morning and – to no one’s surprise – looked poised and confident in winning the team and individual titles at Canutillo Middle School.
The Troopers had five runners in the top 10 – Elias Perez (second, 15:42.30) Juan Olmos (third, 15:51.55), Sergio Leon Cuartas (fifth, 16:05.24), Nathan Hernandez (eighth, 16:30.91) and Aaron Perez (10th, 16:36.61) – to win the Canutillo Invitational with 28 points.
Franklin was second with 61 points, Hanks was third (121), Chapin was fourth (149) and Americas JV was fifth (152).
Michael Abeyta
Abeyta easily won the individual title in 15:27.65 at the 3.15 mile course.
“Coming into this race, I really didn’t know what to expect because my summer workouts were geared towards miles instead of speed,” he said. “I just wanted to see where I was at for this race.”
Abeyta said he felt strong.
“After the first loop, I kind of lost focus a little bit,” he said. “But I got my head back into it. My time was pretty good, it could have been a little bit better but there is always another race next week to improve.”
He said this race was a good start for him to fix what needs to be fixed for later in the season.
Other top 10 runners were Eastlake’s Israel David (fourth, 16:04.45), Franklin’s Fernie Morales (sixth, 16:05.83), Franklin’s Daniel Kennedy (seventh, 16:15.26) and Chapin’s Angel Contreras (ninth, 16:33.22).
For Perez, the Eastwood senior said he was happy with the team’s inaugural race of the season calling it a good start to a brand new season.
“We ran really well as a team,” he said. “I know we won state last year and did a lot big things but this is a new year and we don’t want to put any pressure on ourselves. We’ve always run for each other and that’s what we did today.”
As far as his individual race, he thought he ran well.
“I base my race on how we run as a team,” he said. “Most of the time me, Sergio and Juan are with each other throughout the race. Today, I felt a little bit better so I decided to take it out.”
On the girl’s side, Franklin had four runners in the top 8, to beat Eastwood by five points.
Eastwood had four runners finish in the top 10.
Franklin’s Eva Jess won her second straight invitational easily winning in 18:05.86.
Eastwood’s Lauren Walls-Portillo was second in 19:19.02 followed by Montwood runner Karma Garcia (19:43.89) and Melody Tsumi from Jefferson (19:48.26).
Eva Jess
Franklin finished with 33 points followed by Eastwood (38), Montwood (77), Eastlake (107) and Hanks (159).
“Our girls were really resilient throughout the race,” Franklin coach Anthony Laspada said. “Our young girls stepped it up again last week. Eva ran about 42 seconds faster than last year so that was great. Our goal was to be under 21 (minutes) for this race and Jordan, Jenna and Alyssa did just that; they achieved their goal.”
Other top 10 runners for Franklin were Jordan Torres (fifth, 20:02.96), Jenna Saunders (seventh, 20:19.12) and Alyssa Laspada (eighth, 20:21.98).
Laspada said winning the invitational, in particular over an Eastwood team that made an appearance at the Class 5A state championship, will give his young squad confidence.
“Eastwood has an amazing program,” he said. “They are going to get us at times and we’re going to get them. That happened last year, too. But this is good for our kid’s confidence to do what they did today.”
Eastwood’s top 10 runners were Walls in second, Eileen McLain (sixth, 20:08.61), Desiree Carrillo (ninth, 20:22.10) and Meadow Ortiz (10th, 20:30.39).
Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top boys 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 boys and girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.
This week’s schedule:
Canutillo Invitational: 8 a.m. Aug. 31 at Canutillo Middle School. Canutillo, Eastwood, Hanks, Riverside, Franklin, Austin, Jefferson, Chapin, Burges, LPI, Valle Verde, Bel Air, Montwood, Americas, YWLA, Loretto, Andress, Cathedral, Ysleta, Del Valle, Loretto, Eastlake.
ABQ Invitational: 8 a.m. Aug. 31 at the University of New Mexico. Americas, Coronado, Ysleta.
Fabens La Isla Invitational: 8 a.m. Aug. 31. Fabens, Irvin, EPHS, Tornillo, Bowie, Ft. Hancock, Parkland, El Dorado, Pebble Hills, Clint, Horizon, Mountain View, San Elizario, El Paso.
Marcus 1 Invitational: 7 a.m. Aug. 31 in Flower Mound. Socorro.
The Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School highlights the local races. The invitational will feature at least 23 teams. The race begins at 8 a.m.
Top 10
1, Eastwood: The Troopers plan to run its varsity at Saturday’s Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School. Top returnees include junior Sergio Leon Cuartas, and seniors Juan Olmos and Elias Perez. Juniors Aaron Perez and Nathan Hernandez round out the returning five who won the Class 5A state championship last year.
2, Americas: The Trailblazers easily won the Race to Midnight Invitational on Friday night. Americas had six runners in the top 10 including sophomore Melo Corral in fourth (16:20.47), senior Hector Sanchez at fifth (16:40.46), junior Gage Garcia at sixth (16:43.77), sophomore Jared Laverty at seventh (16:50.11), sophomore Aaron Saenz at eighth (16:53.59) and senior Seth Andrade at 10th (17:02.82). Americas will race at the UNM Lobo Invitational at 8:45 a.m. Saturday.
3, Franklin: The Cougars make a huge leap this week, jumping five spots to No. 3 after its impressive and surprising Freedom Run championship at Mt. View High School. New comer Fernie Morales, a senior, won the 2.7 mile Red Sands desert course in his first EVER cross country meet. The Cougars placed three runners in the top 6 including senior Steve Porras in second and senior Daniel Kennedy in sixth to earn the team championship with 30 points. The Cougars will race at Saturday’s Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School.
4, San Elizario: The Eagles drop a spot after its second-place finish at the Clint ISD’s Freedom Run. San Elizario placed three runners in the top 10 – junior Edwin Gomez (third), junior Dilan Sanchez (fourth) and senior Rene Arambula (seventh), good for 46 points. The Eagles will regroup and race at the Fabens Invitational at Las Islas Church on Saturday.
5, Coronado: The T-Birds began the season with a third-place finish at the Race to Midnight Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex without senior Nick Gonzalez. Its top runner was sophomore Nick Espino (20th, 17:58.21). Coronado will race at the UNM Lobo Invitational at 8:45 a.m. Saturday.
6, Eastlake: The Falcons move up one spot after finishing fourth at the Race to Midnight Invitational. Sophomore Israel David paced the team with a second-place finish in 16:08.07. Eastlake will race at Saturday’s Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School.
7, Hanks: Senior Rodger Rivera easily won Friday’s Race to Midnight Invitational in 15:29.04. All State runner Michael Abeyta did not race. Hanks had three runners in the top 25. They will run in Saturday’s Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School.
8, Montwood: The Rams moved up two spots after its 6th place finish in the 16-team Race to Midnight Invitational. Senior Ruben Gonzalez paced 12th in 17:14.26 and junior Trenton Nelson was 25th in 17:59.20. Eastlake will race at Saturday’s Canutillo Invitational.
9, Tornillo: Tornillo dropped three spots after its seventh place finish at the Race to Midnight Invitational. Senior Ofir Ortega finished third in 16:17.42. The Coyotes will race at the Fabens Invitational at Las Islas Church.
10, Socorro: The Bulldogs jump in the top 10 after its third-place finish at the Tall City Invitational in Midland. Senior Cristian Parra was second (16:49.1) and junior Jorge Garcia was fourth (17:18.9) to pace the Bulldogs. Socorro will travel to Flower Mound to race at the Marcus Invitational on Saturday.
Dropped out: Burges. On the verge: Cathedral, Ysleta.
Franklin seniors Fernie Morales and Steve Porras finished 1-2 to help the Cougars to the boy’s championship at Clint ISD’s Freedom Run at Mt. View High School.
Top times (3-mile or 5K)
1, Rodger Rivera, Hanks, 15:29.04 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
2, Isreal David, Eastlake, 16:08.07 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
3, Ofir Ortega, Tornillo, 16:17.42 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
4, Melo Corral, Americas, 16:20.47 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
5, Hector Sanchez, Americas, 16:40.46 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
6, Gage Garcia, Americas, 16:43.77 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
7, Christian Parra, Socorro 16:49.1 (Midland Tall City, 8/24)
8, Jared Laverty, Americas, 16:50.11 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
9, Aaron Saenz, Americas, 16:53.59 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
10, Jose Nilo, Austin, 16:53.76 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
11, Seth Andrade, Americas, 17:02.83 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
12, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 17:13.03 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
13, Ruben Gonzalez, Montwood, 17:14.27 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
14, Jorge Garcia, Socorro 17:18.9 (Midland Tall City, 8/24).
15, Nick Barajas, Americas, 17:24.86 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
16, Jonah Camposano, Eastwood, 17:28.31 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
17, Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 17:30.23 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
18, Abraham Cruz, Eastwood, 17:34.84 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
19, Enrique Aguirre, Eastlake, 17:37.99 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
20, Anthony Lara, Eastlake, 17:42.78 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
21, Nicolas Maes, Cathedral, 17:46.22 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
22, Josh Espino, Coronado, 17:58.22 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
23, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 17:58.44 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
24, Stephen Pitchkolan, Coronado, 17:58.66 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
25, Sam Breceda, Coronado, 17:58.84 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
Hanks senior Michael Abeyta is expected to make his 2019 debut at the Canutillo Invitational at 8 a.m. Saturday. Texas Milesplit has Abeyta ranked No 8 in the state. Eastwood, which won the Class 5A state championship last year, begins its quest to defend that title also at the Canutillo Invitational.
Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):
Every Tuesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top girl’s 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 boys and girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.
This week’s schedule:
Canutillo Invitational: 8 a.m. Aug. 31 at Canutillo Middle School. Canutillo, Eastwood, Hanks, Riverside, Franklin, Austin, Jefferson, Chapin, Burges, LPI, Valle Verde, Bel Air, Montwood, Americas, YWLA, Loretto, Andress, Cathedral, Ysleta, Del Valle, Loretto, Eastlake.
ABQ Invitational: 8 a.m. Aug. 31 at the University of New Mexico. Americas, Coronado, Ysleta.
Fabens La Isla Invitational: 8 a.m. Aug. 31. Fabens, Irvin, EPHS, Tornillo, Bowie, Ft. Hancock, Parkland, El Dorado, Pebble Hills, Clint, Horizon, Mountain View, San Elizario, El Paso.
Marcus 1 Invitational: 7 a.m. Aug. 31 in Flower Mound. Socorro.
The cross country season in El Paso began on Friday with Montwood’s Race to Midnight Invitational. Coronado won the girl’s team title while Americas senior Mariana Guzman also easily won the race in 18:48.20. On Saturday, more than 23 teams will compete at the Canutillo Invitational at 8 a.m. at Canutillo Middle School
Top 10
1, Eastwood: The Troopers varsity will get its first taste of action at Saturday’s Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School. The Troopers are working towards a return visit to the Class 5A State Championship where the team finished 11th.
2, Franklin: The Cougars move up one after its impressive season debut, winning the 2.7 mile Red Sands desert course at Mt. View’s Freedom Run. Junior Eva Jess won the meet in 17:03.70. Franklin’s top five runners finished in the top 8 including Jess at No. 1, sophomore Jenna Saunders in second (18:38.02), freshman Alyssa Laspada in third (18:44.52) sophomore Jordan Torres in fifth (19:18.34) and freshman Sofia Camacho in eighth (20:01.45). The Cougars will race at Saturday’s Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School.
3, Coronado: The T-Birds jump two spots after its team championship at the Race to Midnight Invitational on Friday night. Coronado had three runners in the top 15 lead by senior Sophia Flores (sixth, 20:03.40), freshman Kyra Walker (seventh, 20:06.12) and senior Marcela Perches (15th, 21:14.81). The team scored 70 points, nine points lower than Americas. Coronado will race at the UNM Lobo Invitational at 8:45 a.m. Saturday.
4, Americas: The Trailblazers dropped two spots after finishing second at Montwood’s Race to Midnight Invitational at the Socorro Student Activities Complex. Senior Mariana Guzman won the event in 18:48.20. Senior Priscilla Villalobos was the only other runner to finish in the top 20, placing 14th in 21:08.80. Americas will race at the UNM Lobo Invitational at 8:45 a.m. Saturday.
5, Socorro: The Bulldogs move up one after winning the Tall City Invitational in Midland. Senior Jazmin Chacon won individual honors in 20:55.0 while senior Janeth Chacon was third in 21:08.7 and sophomore Ana Rojas placed sixth in 21:56.8. Socorro will travel to Flower Mound to race at the Marcus Invitational on Saturday.
6, Burges: The Mustangs make its top 10 debut after its third-place finish at Montwood’s Race to Midnight. Sophomore Annette Guzman (8th, 20:18.30), junior Emilee Antimo (11th, 21:02.95) and sophomore Pamela Ramirez (13th, 21:06.32) had top 15 finishes. Burges will race at Saturday’s Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School.
7, Montwood. The Rams placed fourth at the Race to Midnight Invitational behind three top 20 runners – junior Karyme Garcia (third, 19:38.39), freshman Julie Canalas (19th, 21:21.95) and sophomore Alexa Rangel (20th, 21:23.51). They will compete at Saturday’s Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School.
8, Jefferson: The Foxes drop four spots after finishing fifth at the Race to Midnight Invitational. Senior Melody Tsumi was fourth overall in 19:57.22 while senior Ivette Rojas ran a 21:16.62, good for 16th place. Sophomore Monique Correa also finished in the top 20 placing 18th in 21:20.46. Jefferson will race at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School on Saturday.
9, Eastlake: After placing sixth at the Race to Midnight Invitational, Eastlake drops two spots. Junior Megan Kirtley was the lone Falcon to crack the top 20, placing 17th in 21:19.45. They will race at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School on Saturday.
10, San Elizario: The Eagles did not race on Saturday. The Eagles will open the season at the Fabens Invitational at Las Islas Church on Saturday.
Dropped out: Del Valle, Horizon.
On the brink: Canutillo, Clint, Hanks.
Socorro senior Jazmin Chacon won individual honors at the Tall City Invitational in Midland in 20:55.0 while her sister, senior Janeth Chacon, finished third in 21:08.7 In between them is senior Cristian Parra who was second (16:49.1) in the boys race.
Top times (3 mile or 5K)
1, Mariana Guzman, Americas, 18:48.20 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
2, Kylene Elias, Tornillo, 19:14.83 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
3, Karyme Garcia, Montwood, 19:38.39 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
4, Melody Tsutsumi, Jefferson, 19:57.22, (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
5, Stephanie Soto, Fabens, 20:00.09 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
6, Sophia Flores, Coronado, 20:03.40 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
7, Kyra Walker, Coronado, 20:06.12 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
8, Annette Guzman, Burges, 20:18.30 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
9, Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin, 20:49.47 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
10, Jazmin Chacon, Socorro, 20:55.0 (Midland Tall City, 8/24).
11, Morayama Montes, Austin, 21:02.42 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
12, Emilee Antimo, Burges, 21:02.95 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
13, Olivia Garcia, Tornillo, 21:05.86 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
14, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 21:06.32 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
15, Janeth Chacon, Socorro, 21:08.7 (Midland Tall City, 8/24).
16, Priscilla Villalobos, Americas, 21:08.80 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
17, Marcela Perches, Coronado, 21:14.62 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
18, Ivette Rojas, Jefferson, 21:16.62 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
19, Megan Kirtley, Eastlake, 21:19.45 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
20, Monique Correa, Jefferson, 21:20.46 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
21, Julie Canalas, Montwood, 21:21.95 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
22, Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 21:23.51 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
23, Daphne Duran, Americas, 21:24.20 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
24, Trinity Martinez, Eastwood, 21:24.82 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
25, Amber Martin, Eastwood, 21:29.22 (Race to Midnight, SAC, 8/24).
While many of El Paso’s team will compete at Canutillo, Fabens ISD will host Las Islas Invitational on Saturday.
Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):
The Franklin boys won the Mt. View Freedom Run on Saturday morning. Seniors Fernie Morales and Steve Porras finished 1-2.
The Franklin Cougar boys and girls cross country teams went out and ran more than impressive races Saturday morning at the Mountain View Freedom Run.
It was not a surprise that Franklin junior Eva Jess continues her dominance in El Paso, easily winning the 2.7 mile desert course Saturday morning in 17:03.70.
What was a bit of a shock was what happened on the boy’s side with Franklin seniors Fernie Morales and Steve Porras finishing 1-2 to help the Cougars to the boy’s championship over Class 4A state power, San Elizario.
Morales finished the race in 15:25.99 while Porras was second at 15:40.21. The Cougars placed three runners in the top 6 (Daniel Kennedy was sixth in 15:51.57) to earn the team championship with 30 points. San Elizario was second with 46 and Ysleta was third with 90.
San Elizario junior Edwin Gomez, was third in 15:43.32 followed by classmate Dilan Sanchez (15:43.57). Ysleta freshman Cristian Ibarra was fifth in 15:44.32.
“Fernie has never run a cross country race in his life,” said Franklin coach Anthony Laspada. “He has to be coached every step of the way during the race which isn’t bad for him.”
A commitment to a strong dedicated summer workout plan helped lead to a productive race for Morales and Porras.
“Neither one of those guys missed a summer workout,” Laspada said. “For Fernie, it’s been a long but quick learning experience and for Steve, we talked about what it would take from him to reach the next level and that’s consistency. He needed to be more consistent in his workouts and he did that during the summer.”
Other top 10 finishers where senior Rene Arambula (San Elizario, 15:52.87), junior Joaquin Oretga (Chapin, 16:08.21), freshman Alex Sanchez (Horizon, 16:08.56) and junior Joshua Gonzalez, Mt. View, 16:25.39.
The Franklin girls have not missed a step from last year, easily winning the meet with18 points followed by Canutillo (75) and Clint (78).
The Franklin girls won the Mt. View Freedom Run with with 18 points. Eva Jess won the individual title in 17:03.70. Franklin’s top fiver runners finished in the top 8 including Jenna Saunders in second (18:38.02), Alyssa Laspada in third (18:44.52) Jordan Torres in fifth (19:18.34) and Sofia Camacho in eighth (20:01.45).
Franklin’s top five runners finished in the top 8 including Jess at No. 1, sophomore Jenna Saunders in second (18:38.02), freshman Alyssa Laspada in third (18:44.52) sophomore Jordan Torres in fifth (19:18.34) and freshman Sofia Camacho in eighth (20:01.45).
“I’m running four freshman on the varsity including my daughter Alyssa,” Laspada said. “I preach buy-in and camaraderie and the girls have bought into it; they believe in what we are doing. I really believe team chemistry is a key component to the success of the program.”
Filling out the top 10 were: fourth place, freshman Natalie Rivera (Canutillo, 19:15.99); sixth place junior Angelina Lujan-Marrufo (Parkland, 19:46.27); seventh place junior Destiny Beltran (Horizon, 19:58.01); ninth place freshman Andrea Villagomez, (Horizon, 20:24.98) and Mt. View juniorKayhla Talavera in 10th (20:25.40).
“We have a long way to go,” he said. “We are still learning and trying to teach those kids how to prepare for a race because it’s a lot different than a middle school meet. They are having fun and Eva has been a great mentor for them. This is a great way to start.”
Montwood’s Race to Midnight
On Friday night, Hanks senior Rodger Rivera started the season with an impressive – and easy – night, handling the field if runners at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex.
Rivera won in 15:29.04 followed by Eastlake sophomore Isreal David (16:08.07), Tornillo senior Ofir Ortega (16:17.42), Americas sophomore Melo Corral (16:20.47) and Americas senior Hector Sanchez (16:40.46).
Americas ran away with the team title scoring 30 points followed by Eastwood’s JV (87), Coronado (120), Eastlake (130) and Hanks (137).
The Trailblazers had six runners in the top 10 including junior Gage Garcia at sixth (16:43.77), sophomore Jared Laverty at seventh (16:50.11), sophomore Aaron Saenz at eighth (16:53.59) and senior Seth Andrade at 10th (17:02.82). Austin junior Jose Nilo was night in 16:53.76.
On the girl’s side, Americas senior Mariana Guzman also easily won the race in 18:48.20.
Tornillo freshman Kylene Elias was second in 19:14.83 followed by Montwood junior Karyme Garcia (19:38.39), Jefferson junior Melody Tsumi (19:57.22) and Fabens freshman Stephanie Soto (20:00.09).
Coronado won the team title scoring 70 points with Americas coming in second with 79 and Burges third with 113. Montwood was fourth with 117 points and Jefferson in fifth with 118.
The top runners for Coronado where senior Sophia Flores (sixth, 20:03.40) and freshman Kyra Walker (seventh, 20:06.12).
Rounding out the top 10 were: Burgees sophomore Annette Guzman (20:18.30), Austin sophomore Elizabeth Hernandez (20:49.47) and Austin junior Morayama Montes (21:02.42).
The 2019 cross country season opens this weekend with two meets – one on Friday night and the other on Saturday morning.
The 2019 cross country season begins in El Paso this weekend with Montwood’s Race to Midnight Invitational starting at 11:20 p.m. Friday at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex and Clint ISD’s Mountain View Freedom Run at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Runners from all levels – freshman, junior varsity and varsity – will compete in Montwood’s late-night event. Start times are based on the runner’s 3-mile times with the idea that all runners will finish the race before midnight. It is the second year of the race.
Teams participating are Eastwood, Hanks, Coronado, Austin, Jefferson, Fabens, Irvin, Burges, Tornillo, Bowie, Valle Verde Early College, Bel Air, Montwood, Eastlake, El Dorado, Americas, Cathedral, Del Valle, Bel Air and Cathedral.
About 480 runners – 268 male and 212 female – are expected to race.
The top runners to watch are Coronado seniors Nick Gonzalez and Alan Alba, Hanks senior Rodger Rivera, Tornillo senior Ofir Ortega and Americas senior Jacob Ye.
The top runners to watch for the girls are Americas seniors Daphne Duran and Priscilla Villalobos, Morayama Montes from Austin, Sophia Flores from Coronado and Jefferson sophomore Monique Correa.
On Saturday, Mountain View will host the Freedom Run, a 2.7 mile single loop trail in the Far East desert at 8 a.m.
Clint, Mountain View, Horizon, Riverside, Franklin, Canutillo, Chapin, EPHS, Ft Hancock, LPI, YWLA, Parkland, Pebble Hills, Loretto, Andress, Parkland. San Elizario and Ysleta are scheduled to race.
Franklin junior Eva Jess ranks No. 15 in the state according to Texas MileSplit. She is working towards her third straight trip to the Class 6A UIL State Championship. She will race in Saturday’s Mt. View Freedom Run.
Franklin junior Eva Jess, who enters the season ranked No. 15 in the state by Texas MileSplit makes her debut as well as San Elizario junior Edwin Gomez who was the Class 4A state individual runner-up and who starts the season ranked No. 7 in the state by Texas MileSplit.
Here is the pre-season Top 10
Boys
1, Eastwood: The Troopers won the Class 5A state championship last year, scoring 62 points, 25 points ahead of Austin Johnson. Eastwood placed four runners in the top 25 including junior Sergio Leon Cuartas (11th, 15:29.82) seniors Juan Olmos (12th, 15:33.69) and Elias Perez (21st, 5:47.13.). Eastwood begins its quest to defend its state championship at Montwood’s Race to Midnight Invitational at the Socorro Student Activities Complex at 11 p.m. Friday.
2, Americas: The Trailblazers placed 15th at their first UIL Class 6A State Championship last year. Jacob Ye, who is now a senior, led Americas placing 27th in 15:47.33. Sophomore Jared Laverty, is the No. 2 ranked top returning 5K runner in the Class of 2022. He was 62nd at the state meet (16:04.26). With the return of senior Seth Andrade, junior Gage Garcia and sophomore Carmelo Corral, Americas seems destined to repeat as District 1-6A champions and a possible return to the state meet. Americas will run at the Race to Midnight Invitational.
3, San Elizario: The Eagles earned a bronze medal at the Class 4A State Championship last year. Edwin Gomez was the state individual runner-up finishing in 15:07.63. The junior star starts the season ranked No. 7 in the state by Texas Milesplit. With a bulk of its team back – seniors Rene Arambula and Seth Rodriguez, sophomore Irvin Vazquez, junior Dilan Sanchez, the Eagles will take shot at an another state championship. They will compete in Mt. View’s Freedom Run at 8 a.m. Saturday.
4, Hanks: Seniors Michael Abeyta and Rodger Rivera earned All State honors in the Class 5A State championship last fall – Abeyta was fifth in 15:15.72 and Rivera was eighth in 15:20.56. Texas Milesplit has Abeyta ranked No 8 in the state and Rivera at No. 14. Rivera will race in Friday’s Race to Midnight Invitational.
Hanks senior Rodger Rivera will race in Montwood’s Race to Midnight Invitational starting at 11:20 p.m. Friday at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex. Rivera is one of the top returning runners in Texas. (Photo courtesy of Texas MileSplit)
5, Coronado: Senior Nick Gonzalez, a four-year letterman, ran a season best 15:12.10 at the Region 1-6A Championship at Mae Simmons where he finished 10th in the Region of Doom. He finished 21st at the UIL State Meet in 15:29.16. Classmate Alan Alba was a 25 runner in El Paso last season and should provide a powerful 1-2 punch for the T-Birds. Coronado will take part in Friday’s Race to Midnight Invitational at the SAC.
6, Tornillo: Look for Tornillo to have a strong year as they return four of its top runners from a team that finished seventh in the Class 3A State Championship in 2018. Tornillo’s top runner, senior Ofir Ortega, was 15th at the state meet. Other returning runners are juniors Bryan Garcia and Michael Maney and sophomore Bryan Guzman.
7, Eastlake: Sophomore Israel David’s 16:09.56 at the UIL State Cross Country Meet is the state’s 5th fastest for a freshman last year. He looks to improve on his 43rd place finish at state. Eastlake finished second at the District 2-5A meet last year.
8, Franklin: Senior Daniel Kennedy will lead the Cougars this season. Kennedy had an 11th place finish at last year’s District 1-6A championship. Junior Andrew Cordero and senior Jonah Van Orman will also be heavily counted on.
9, Burges: Senior Noah Yeager was a top three runner for the Mustangs who hope to return to the Class 5A State Championship where the team placed 15th last year. The team might struggle early but coach Alex Smith will have the team in contention for another run for regionals by the end of the season.
10, Montwood: Could this be the year the Rams make a run for a spot to regionals? It very well could be with the return of junior Trenton Nelson and Ruben Gonzalez.
Dropped out: None. On the verge: Socorro, Chapin.
Expect another exciting season of girl’s cross country this season. A number of last year’s top teams and individuals are looking toward the UIL state championship.
Girls
1, Eastwood: The Troopers placed 11th at the Class 5A UIIL State Championship last year and return a bulk of that team. Sophomore Lauren Walls placed 25th at state (19:25.55) will lead the way with seniors Meadow Ortiz, Eileen McLain and Destiny Martinez not far behind. Sophmore Adalia Olmos provides Eastwood with a solid five runner.
2, Americas: The Trailblazers, which finished 11th at the Region 1-6A Championship, are refocused and determined to win a District 1-6A crown. The team is deep with seniors Daphne Duran (All-District, 2016, 2017, 2018) and Priscilla Villalobos, (All-District, 2016, 2018) and junior Lauren Anderson (All-District, 2018) leading the way. Senior Mariana Guzman was injured the past two cross country seasons, however, she set Americas School Records in the 3200 meters (11:10), and the 1600 meters (5:11), during the 2019 outdoor track season. Expect big things to happen with the special group.
Americas senior Daphne Duran leads a deep Trailblazers team into what hopes to be a promising season. Duran and her teammates will get the season started at Montwood’s Race to Midnight.
3, Franklin: The Cougars are looking to defend their District 1-6A title and make another run to regionals. Junior Eva Jess returns after placing 14th at the 2018 state meet where she finished 14th in 17:40.36. Texas Milesplit ranks Jess at No. 15 in the state. Big things are expected from sophomore Jenna Saunders and senior Lorien Clark and sophomore Jordan Torres who are more than capable.
4, Jefferson: The Foxes finished last season fifth at the Region 1-5A meet. The team will be led by sophomore Crystal Peterson who was a state qualifier (43rd in 19:21.03). Jefferson is solid with sophomore Monique Correa and seniors Karen Garcia, Ivette Rojas and Melody Tsutsumi.
5, Coronado: Senior Sophia Flores is the T-Birds top returning runner from last year’s Region 1-6A team. Flores could very well have a breakout season and lead Coronado back to the regional. Seniors Sofia Fodor and Sydney Puente as well as junior Veronica Lopez will contribute greatly to the season’s success.
6, Socorro: The Bulldogs will be led by All District 1-6A and Region 1-6A qualifier senior Jazmin Chacon. In order for the Bulldogs to earn a regional berth as a team in one of the toughest district’s in Texas, senior Janeth Chacon and sophomore Ana Rojas must gobble up as many points as possible.
7, Eastlake: Eastlake is in the mist of a rebuild with the loss of Aeriel Garcia and Amaris. Sophomore Ruby Medina, Deserie Herrera, Giselle Rubio and Emily Hernandez provide the Falcons with a bright future.
8, Horizon: The Scorpions return seniors Destiny Beltran and sophomore Andrea Villagomez to a team that qualified to the Region 1-5A championship. Look for Horizon to challenge for another shot at regionals.
9,Del Valle: The Conquistadores are building for the future. Sophomores Anisa Sanchez, Disany Sandoval have a year experience at the varsity level which should payoff this season. Katelyn Robles provides senior leadership.
10, San Elizario: The Eagles finished last season placing in 13th place at the Region 1-4A meet. They return all their team including top runners juniors America Morales and Emily Guerrero. Senior Natalia Perez, junior Karina Gallegos and senior Yajary Quiroz will look to defend their District 1-4A championship.
El Paso Running 