Month: September 2021

High School Boy’s XC Poll: Week 7

Every Thursday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top boy’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 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 girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

Clint/Fabens Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at Clint High School.  Burges, El Paso, Austin, Bowie, El Dorado, Riverside, Del Valle, Parkland, YWLA, Clint, Fabens, Mt.View, Horizon, Santa Teresa, Tornillo, Loretto, San Elizario, Canutillo , Harmony, Cathedral.

Dale Reinhardt Invite: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex.  Franklin, Coronado, Jefferson, Chapin, Socorro, Eastwood, Valle Verde, Ysleta, Hanks, Bel Air, Ft Hancock, Anthony.

Nike South: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at The Woodlands. Eastlake, Pebble Hills, Americas, Montwood.

Las Cruces Invite: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at Las Cruces High. Irvin.

Eastwood finished a grueling three-week stretch where the team trained and raced in two consecutive “sweepstakes” races – placing fifth in Woodbridge and second at Desert Twilight.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers finished second out of 27 teams and 231 runners in the “sweepstakes” division at the Desert Twilight, the Nike Pre-Southwest Regional meet, in Queen Creek Arizona. Top 50 runners were seniors Andres Gurrola (20th, 15:32.20, Isaac Mendoza (27th, 15:43.30) and Devon Paez (46th, 16:03.40). The team’s 1-5 split was 41 seconds. U.S. No. 12 Niwot High, the defending Colorado state champion, won the event with 63 points. Eastwood finished ahead of U.S. No. 14 Desert Vista. The Eastwood JV will race at the Dale Reinhardt Inviteon Saturday.

2. Americas: The Trailblazers won the Class 6A division of the Lubbock Invitational with 58 points, one point ahead of McKinney Boyd. Four seniors – Jared Laverty (third, 16:06.5) and Carmelo Corral (fourth, 16:23.8), Aaron Saenz (10th, 17:03.2) and Jesse Morales (11th, 17:03.6) – finished in the top 11. Americas will compete at Nike South in The Woodlands on Saturday.

3. Franklin: The Cougars won the Rob Winter Classic at Organ Mountain High School in Las Cruces with 51 points, one point ahead of host Organ Mountain. Franklin landed three runners – junior Diego Flores (third, 16:16.48), junior Austen Percifull (eighth, 16:45.90) and sophomore Juan Leal (10th, 16:47.31) – in the top 10. Sophomore Frank Lozano was 12th in 16:48.08. The team will race at the Dale Reinhardt Inviteon Saturday.

4. Coronado: The T-Birds finished third at the Rob Winter Classic at Organ Mountain High School in Las Cruces and move up one spot. Junior Luis Pastor picked up his second individual championship finishing in 15:26.95 and junior Sam Flores was ninth in 16:46.76.  Sophomore Carlos Mendez was 14th in 16:57.24. Coronado will compete at the Dale Reinhardt Inviteon Saturday. 

5. San Elizario: The Eagles were 21st in the mega-competitive “sweepstakes” division at the Desert Twilight in Queen Creek Ariz. Junior Chris Moreno was 23rd out of 231 runners, finishing in 15:36.90. The Eagles will race at the Clint/Fabens Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

6. Cathedral:  The Irish dropped two spots after finishing 26th in the “sweepstakes” division at the Desert Twilight Invitational in Arizona. Its top runner was sophomore Preston Arnett who was 105th in 16:34.80. Cathedral will try to get back on track at the Clint/Fabens Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

7. Pebble Hills: The Spartans were sixth in the Class 6A division of the Lubbock Invitational with 137 points. Junior Omer Ibrahim won his fourth individual title of the season finishing in 15:34.8. Junior Noah Castorena finished 16th in 17:26.9.  Pebble Hills will hit the road again when they travel to Nike South in The Woodlands on Saturday.

8. Riverside: The Rangers had a team average of 17:13 in the “sweepstakes” division at the Desert Twilight Invitational. Senior Andrew Valdiviezo had a top 50 finish, placing 47th out of 231 runners in 16:02.50. The Rangers will compete at the Clint/Fabens Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

9. Hanks: The Knights were fifth in the Class 5A division of the Lubbock Invitational with 149 points.  Juinor Alejandro Tarin was third in 16:27.2 and senior Gael Alvarado was fourth in 16:32.4. The team average was 17:54.5. Hanks will race at the Dale Reinhardt Inviteon Saturday.

10. Burges: The Mustangs were sixth in the Class 5A division of the Lubbock Invitational with 168 points. Senior Julian Maldonado had a top 10 finishing, placing ninth in 16:57.0. Burges will race at the Clint/Fabens Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: El Paso High, Chapin.

Hanks senior Gael Alvarado and Burges senior Julian Maldonado have been consistent runners this entire season. Alvarado ran a 16:19.03 at Shawver Park on Sept. 4 (the city’s 21st fastest) and Maldonado has the city’s 23rd fastest time, racing to a 16:30.94 at Del Valle in August.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 14.43.8 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

2, Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 14.49.7 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

3, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 15:02.15 (Del Valle, 8/28).

4, Israel David, Eastlake, 15:02.73 (Del Valle, 8/28).

5, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:04.79 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Devon Paez, Eastwood, 15:13.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

7, Victor Anchondo, Eastwood, 15:16.8 (Woodbridge, 9/18)

8, Jared Laverty, Americas, 15:24.83 (Canutillo, 8/21).

9, Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 15:28.0 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

10, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 15:38.71 (Del Valle, 8/28).

11, Carmelo Corral, Americas, 15:41.95 (Canutillo, 8/21).

12, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 15:44.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

13, Jacob Becket, Eastwood, 15:44.8 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

14, Diego Flores, Franklin, 15:51.32 (Mary Francis Keisling, 9/11).

15, Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 15:52.3 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

16, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 15:58.00 (Mae Simmons, 9/25).

17, Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 16:01.41 (Del Valle, 8/28).

18, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 16:01.51 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

19, Aaron Saenz, Americas 16:04.0 (Cleveland, 8/28).

20, Austen Percifull, Franklin, 16:16.35 (Mary Francis Keisling, 9/11).

21, Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 16:19.03 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

22, Isaac Romero, Franklin, 16:22.86 (Southlake, 8/28).

23, Julian Maldonado, Burges, 16:30.94 (Del Valle, 8/28).

24, Seth Truax, Chapin, 16:34.44 (Del Valle, 8/28).

25, Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 16:40.42 (Del Valle, 8/28).

Angel Torres won the Class 4A Division at the Lubbock Invitational, turning in a season-best 15:58.00 at Mae Simmons, the 16th fastest in El Paso this season.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 54 (2).

2, Jared Laverty, Americas, 48 (4).

3, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 45 (4).

4, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 43.

5, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 37 (1).

6, Carmelo Corral, Americas, 34.

7, Diego Flores, Franklin, 28 (1).

8, Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 27.

9, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 23 (1).

10, Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 22.

10, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 22.

Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 20.

Aaron Saenz, Americas, 19.

Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 19.

Israel David, Eastlake, 18.

Austen Percifull, Franklin, 16.

Jayden Bustillos, Riverside, 12.

Devon Paez, Eastwood, 11.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 11.

Omar Rivera, Canutillo, 9.

Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 8.

David Ramirez, El Paso High, 8.

Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 8.

Irvin Vazquez, San Elizario, 8.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 7.

Julian Maldonado, Burges, 7.

Frank Lozano, Franklin, 7.

Sam Breceda, Coronado, 6.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 5.

Leo Valenzuela, El Paso High, 5.

Mario Elias, Eastlake, 5.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 4.

Rai Lopez, Franklin, 4.

Aydan Lugo, El Paso High, 4.

Oscar Guzman, Franklin, 4.

Bryan Estrada, Eastlake, 3.

Matthew Maese, San Elizario, 3.

Antonio Palos, Irvin, 3.

Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 2.

Victor Anchondo, Eastwood, 2.

Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 2.

Bernard Martinez, Cathedral, 2.

Luis Martinez, Irvin, 2.

Alan Ceballos, San Elizario, 2.

Heiden Pereda, Eastwood, 2.

Sam Flores, Coronado, 2.

Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 1.

Isaac Romero, Franklin, 1.

Jesse Morales, Americas, 1.

Mauricio Cuartes, Eastwood, 1.

Juan Leal, Franklin, 1.

High School Girl’s XC Poll: Week 7

Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top girls 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 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 girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

Clint/Fabens Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at Clint High School.  Burges, El Paso, Austin, Bowie, El Dorado, Riverside, Del Valle, Parkland, YWLA, Clint, Fabens, Mt.View, Horizon, , Santa Teresa, Tornillo, Loretto, San Elizario, Canutillo , Harmony, Cathedral.

Las Cruces Invite: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at Las Cruces High. Irvin.

Dale Reinhardt Invite: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex.  Franklin, Coronado, Jefferson, Chapin, Socorro, Eastwood, Valle Verde, Ysleta, Hanks, Bel Air, Ft Hancock, Anthony.

Nike South: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at The Woodlands. Eastlake, Pebble Hills, Americas, Montwood.

There are three weeks left before districts! It’s going to be a fun one!

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers placed 14th in the “Sweepstakes” division at Desert Twilight, the Nike Pre-Southwest Regional meet in Queen Creek Arizona on Friday night. Eastwood had two runners in the top 25 – senior Lauren Walls-Portillo (16th, 17:47.10) and freshman Adelynn Rodriguez (22nd, 17:56.50 – in the 187-runner, 23-team race. The team is scheduled to compete at the Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex.

2. Franklin: The Cougars won the Rob Winter Classic in Las Cruces with 25 points. Franklin had all five scoring runners place in the top 8. Junior Alyssa Laspada was second in 18:33.46, senior Jenna Saunders third (19:25.00) senior Jordan Torres, was fifth in 19:40.37 and seniors Abby Barraza (seventh, 20:04.03) and Sofia Camacho (eighth, 20:17.35) round out the top five for Franklin. The team’s 1-5 split was 1:43. The Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex is next for the Cougars.

3. Montwood: The Rams finally put it all together and finished sixth in the 6A Division at the Lubbock Invitational with 149 points, moving them up two spots. Junior Kassandra Jimenez was the lone top 10 runner and top El Paso runner, placing sixth in 19:54.2. Senior Alexa Rangel (15th, 20:43.8) and junior Jazmine Miranda (16th, 20:47.1) had top 20 performances. Montwood will race at Nike South in The Woodlands on Saturday.

4. Pebble Hills: The Spartans finished seventh in the 6A Division at the Lubbock Invitational with 150 points, one point behind Montwood. Junior Natalia Martinez was 11th in 20:31.3 to pace Pebble Hills. Sophomore Carolina Zarrabal was 22nd in 21:24.3. Pebble Hills will race at Nike South in The Woodlands.

5. Coronado: The T-Birds finished third at the Rob Winter Classic in Las Cruces with 80 points. Coronado had two runners – sophomore Alexa Lawrence (9th, 20:26.31) and junior Kyra Walker (10th, 20:29.29) – in the top 10. Coronado will race at the Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex on Saturday.

6. Jefferson: The Foxes did not race on Saturday as the DaVinci Invitational was cancelled.  The team will race at the Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex on Saturday.

7. Canutillo: The Eagles also did not race on Saturday because the DaVinci Invitational was cancelled.  The team will race at the Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex on Saturday.

8. Eastlake: The Falcons did not race on Saturday because the DaVinci Invitational was cancelled. The team will travel to The Woodlands for Nike South.

9. Hanks: The Knights finished sixth in the Class 5A race at the Lubbock Invitational. Senior Mia Rivera was eighth in 20:14.5. Hanks will compete in the Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex on Saturday.

10. Americas: The Trailblazers finished ninth in the Class 6A division of the Lubbock Invitational without its top runner – freshman Lexee Salas. Senior Isabelle Medina was 27th in 21:37.1. The team will race Nike South in The Woodlands on Saturday.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: Del Valle, Burges, El Paso High.

Alex Rangel (left) and Jazmine Miranda have been solid 2-3 runners for Montwood all season.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 17:17.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

2, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 17:20.1 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

3, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 18:28.29 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11)

4, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 18:30.07 (Southlake, 8/28).

5, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 18:59.11 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19:07.10 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

7, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 19:08.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

8, Salma Licon, Eastwood, 19:10.4 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

9, Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 19:11.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

10, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19:25.00 (Las Cruces Organ, 9/25).

11, Abby Barraza, Franklin, 19:25.63 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

12, Ana Rojas, Socorro, 19:38.94 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

13, Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 19:41.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

14, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 19:45.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

15, Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 19:51.64 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

16, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 19:53.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

17, Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 19:57.39 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

18, Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 19:57.84 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

19, Kyra Walker, Coronado, 19:58.38 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

20, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 19:58.92 (Del Valle, 8/28).

21, Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 20:03.13 (Canutillo, 8/21).

22, Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 20:03.35 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

23, Banah Abdeljaber, Coronado, 20:11.1 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

24, Michele Paillard, Franklin, 20:16.4 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

25, Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 20:16.96 (Del Valle, 8/28).

Socorro’s Ana Rojas and Pebble Hills’ Natalie Franco will be looking to help their teams at the District 1-6A championship on Oct. 16 at Vista Hills Country Club.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 44 (2).

1, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 44 (1).

3, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 43 (2).

4, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 42 (1).

5, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 40 (1).

6, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 36 (1).

7, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 34 (1).

8, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 33.

8, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 33.

10, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 30 (1).

Monique Correa, Jefferson, 26.

Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 26.

Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 25.

Samantha Ramirez, San Elizario, 23 (1).

Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 23.

Abby Barraza, Franklin, 21.

Disany Sandoval, Del Valle, 15.

Andrea Castillo, El Paso High, 13.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 13.

Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 13.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 12.

Ana Rojas, Socorro, 10.

Madelyn Estrada, Mt. View, 9.

Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin, 8.

Katelyn Montoya, San Elizario, 8.

Dania Cano, Canutillo, 7.

Lexee Salas, Americas, 7.

Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 7.

Marcela Hernandez, Riverside, 6.

Olivia Garcia, Tornillo, 6.

Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 5.

Natalie Franco, Pebble Hills, 4.

Osmary Vazquez, San Elizario, 4.

Jaylee Levario, Bel Air, 4.

Allison Perez, Coronado, 3.

Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 3.

Salma Licon, Eastwood, 3.

Jeanette Rivera, YWLA, 3.

Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 3.

Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 2.

Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 2.

Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 2.

Lauren Perez, Riverside, 2.

Kyra Walker, Coronado, 2.

Jennifer Najar, Canutillo, 1.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 1.

Sofia Ramirez, El Paso High, 1.

Ximena Holguin, San Elizario, 1.

High School Boy’s XC Poll: Week 6

Every Thursday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top boy’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 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 girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

Desert Twilight Invitational: 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at Queen Creek, Ariz. Eastwood, Riverside, Del Valle, Bel Air, San Elizario, Cathedral.

Organ Invite: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at Organ High School in Las Cruces. Franklin, Coronado, Santa Teresa, Chaparral, Gadsden.

DaVinci Invitational:  8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Don Haskins Recreation Center. Austin, Jefferson, Ysleta, YWLA, Eastlake, Anthony, Fabens, Cathedral, Loretto, Canutillo, Harmony, Da Vinci.

Lubbock Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at Mae Simmons Park.  Burges, Chapin, El Paso, Andress, Bowie, El Dorado, Socorro, Americas, Pebble Hills, Montwood, Valle Verde, Hanks, Parkland.

With championship season a month away, many of El Paso’s teams are gearing up for that final push with hopes of regional and state berths firmly on their mind.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers finished fifth out of 30 teams (220 runners) in the “sweepstakes” division of the 40th annual Woodbridge Cross Country Classic in Woodbridge, Calif.  All seven athletes turned in sub-16 minute, 3-mile times with two runners – seniors Andres Gurrola (30th, 14:43.8) and Isaac Mendoza (40th, 14.49.7) – clocking in under 15 minutes. Seniors Devon Paez (81st, 15:13.6) and Victor Anchondo (89th,15:16.8), junior Joaquin Chavez (105th, 15:28.0), sophomore Jacob Beckett, (140th, 15:44.8) and junior Anthony Casillas (159th, 15:52.3) all had personal best times. The team gap was 45 seconds. Newbury Park, the No. 1 high school team in the country, won the event with 25 points. Fellow Texans, Southlake Carroll finished one spot ahead of Eastwood in fourth by 11 points. The Troopers will race at the Desert Twilight, the Nike Pre-Southwest Regional meet, in Queen Creek Arizona on Friday night.

2. Americas: The Trailblazers did not race on Saturday in preparation of Saturday’s Lubbock Invitational.  

3. Franklin: The Cougars did not race on Saturday. Franklin will compete at the Organ Invitational in Las Cruces on Saturday. 

4. Cathedral:  The Irish did not race on Saturday. The team will travel to Queen Creek (Ariz.) to compete at Desert Twilight, the Nike Pre-Southwest Regional meet on Friday.

5. Coronado: The T-Birds make a move up the poll, improving three spots after finishing second at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club with 84 points. Junior Luis Pastor finished second in 16:25.81. Junior Sam Flores was 12th in 17:52.18. Coronado will compete at the Organ Invitational in Las Cruces on Saturday. 

6. San Elizario: The Eagles were third at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club, scoring 89 points. Junior Chris Moreno was fifth in 17:13.24 was the only San Elizario runner in the top 10. Senior Irvin Vazquez was 11th in 17:48.36. The Eagles will race at the Desert Twilight in Queen Creek Arizona on Friday night.

7. Pebble Hills: The Spartans were fourth at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club with 142 points. Junior Omer Ibrahim picked up his third individual title of the season clocking a 16:02.10. Pebble Hills will compete at the Lubbock Invitational on Saturday. 

8. Riverside: The Rangers move up one after placing fifth at the District Preview with 161 points. Senior Andrew Valdiviezo was seventh in 17:38.27 and senior Jayden Bustillos was 12th in 17:52.84. The Rangers will compete at Desert Twilight on Friday.

9. Hanks: With its sixth-place finish at the District Preview, the Knights move up one spot. Once again, Hanks had two runners – junior Alejandro Tarin (third, 16:51.35) and senior Gael Alvarado (sixth, 17:17.19) – finish in the top 10. The team will race the Lubbock Invitational on Saturday. 

10. Burges: The Mustangs finally ran a full team at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club and finished seventh. Burges had three runners finish in the top 20 – senior David Herrera (16th, 18:03.02), senior Julian Maldonado (17th, 18:06.83) and junior Matthew Guerra (19th, 18:07.73). Burges will travel to Lubbock for the Lubbock Invitational on Saturday.

Dropped out: Eastlake.

On the brink: El Paso High, Chapin.

San Elizario junior Chris Moreno has the city’s 10th fastest time this season, clock a 15:38.71 at the Del Valle Invitational.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 14.43.8 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

2, Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 14.49.7 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

3, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 15:02.15 (Del Valle, 8/28).

4, Israel David, Eastlake, 15:02.73 (Del Valle, 8/28).

5, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:04.79 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Devon Paez, Eastwood, 15:13.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

7, Victor Anchondo, Eastwood, 15:16.8 (Woodbridge, 9/18)

8, Jared Laverty, Americas, 15:24.83 (Canutillo, 8/21).

9, Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 15:28.0 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

10, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 15:38.71 (Del Valle, 8/28).

11, Carmelo Corral, Americas, 15:41.95 (Canutillo, 8/21).

12, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 15:44.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

13, Jacob Becket, Eastwood, 15:44.8 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

14, Diego Flores, Franklin, 15:51.32 (Mary Francis Keisling, 9/11).

15, Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 15:52.3 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

16, Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 16:01.41 (Del Valle, 8/28).

17, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 16:01.51 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

18, Aaron Saenz, Americas 16:04.0 (Cleveland, 8/28).

19, Austen Percifull, Franklin, 16:16.35 (Mary Francis Keisling, 9/11).

20, Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 16:19.03 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

21, Isaac Romero, Franklin, 16:22.86 (Southlake, 8/28).

22, Julian Maldonado, Burges, 16:30.94 (Del Valle, 8/28).

23, Seth Truax, Chapin, 16:34.44 (Del Valle, 8/28).

24, Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 16:40.42 (Del Valle, 8/28).

25, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 16:43.28 (Tornillo, 8/21).

Hanks senior Gael Alvarado is one of the city’s top runners, placing 20th in the top 25 times and 10th in the power rankings.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 44 (1).

2, Jared Laverty, Americas, 40 (4).

3, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 37 (1).

4, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 35 (3).

4, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 35.

6, Carmelo Corral, Americas, 27.

7, Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 22.

8, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 21.

9, Diego Flores, Franklin, 20 (1).

9, Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 20.

9, Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 20.

Aaron Saenz, Americas, 19.

Israel David, Eastlake, 18.

Austen Percifull, Franklin, 13.

Angel Torres, Tornillo, 13.

Jayden Bustillos, Riverside, 12.

Devon Paez, Eastwood, 11.

Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 11.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 11.

Omar Rivera, Canutillo, 9.

Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 8.

David Ramirez, El Paso High, 8.

Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 8.

Irvin Vazquez, San Elizario, 8.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 7.

Frank Lozano, Franklin, 7.

Sam Breceda, Coronado, 6.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 5.

Julian Maldonado, Burges, 5.

Leo Valenzuela, El Paso High, 5.

Mario Elias, Eastlake, 5.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 4.

Rai Lopez, Franklin, 4.

Aydan Lugo, El Paso High, 4.

Oscar Guzman, Franklin, 4.

Bryan Estrada, Eastlake, 3.

Matthew Maese, San Elizario, 3.

Antonio Palos, Irvin, 3.

Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 2.

Victor Anchondo, Eastwood, 2.

Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 2.

Bernard Martinez, Cathedral, 2.

Luis Martinez, Irvin, 2.

Alan Ceballos, San Elizario, 2.

Heiden Pereda, Eastwood, 2.

Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 1.

Isaac Romero, Franklin, 1.

Jesse Morales, Americas, 1.

Mauricio Cuartes, Eastwood, 1.

High School Girl’s XC Poll: Week 6

Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top girls 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 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 girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

Desert Twilight Invitational: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at Queen Creek, Ariz. Eastwood, Riverside, Del Valle, Bel Air, San Elizario, Cathedral.

Organ Invite: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at Organ High School in Las Cruces. Franklin, Coronado, Santa Teresa, Chaparral, Gadsden.

DaVinci Invitational:  8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Don Haskins Recreation Center. Austin, Jefferson, Ysleta, YWLA, Eastlake, Anthony, Fabens, Cathedral, Loretto, Canutillo, Harmony, Da Vinci.

Lubbock Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at Mae Simmons Park.  Burges, Chapin, El Paso, Andress, Bowie, El Dorado, Socorro, Americas, Pebble Hills, Montwood, Valle Verde, Hanks, Parkland.

Many of the city’s top teams and individuals will travel to out-of-town invitationals this weekend.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers placed 13th in the “rated” division at the 40th annual Woodbridge Cross Country Classic in Woodbridge, Calif. Senior Lauren Walls-Portillo was second in 17:17.6 and freshman Adelynn Rodriguez was third in 17:20.1 – both personal best times. Two other Eastwood runners set personal best times on the 3-mile course – juniors Salma Licon (19:10.4) and Sophia Watts (19:11.6). The team will compete at the Desert Twilight, the Nike Pre-Southwest Regional meet, in Queen Creek Arizona on Friday night.

2. Franklin: The Cougars varsity did not race on Saturday. However, the JV managed to win the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club with 82 points. Its top runner was junior Shani Malone who was 14th in 22:09.71. The team will race at the Organ Invitational in Las Cruces.

3. Pebble Hills: The Spartans finished second at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club. Junior Natalia Martinez – who was second in 20:18.68 – was the only top 10 runner. Pebble Hills will race at the Lubbock Invitational on Saturday.

4. Coronado: The T-Birds move up two spots after its third-place finish at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club, despite not placing a runner in the top 10. Sophomore Alexa Lawrence was 12th in 22:04.31 and senior Banah Abdeljaber was 16th in 22:14.07. Coronado will race at the Organ Invitational in Las Cruces.

5. Montwood:  The Rams drop one spot after placing fourth at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club. Montwood had two runners finish in the top 10 – junior Kassandra Jimenez (fourth, 20:53.45) and senior Alexa Rangel (sixth, 21:21.62). Montwood will race at the Lubbock Invitational on Saturday.

6. Jefferson: The Foxes did not run a full team at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club but had two runners – senior Monique Correa (seventh, 21:27.27) and junior Crystal Peterson (eighth, 21:35.21) – finish in the top 10. Jefferson is schedule to race at the DaVinci Invitational at the Don Haskins Recreation Center.  

7. Canutillo: The Eagles did not race a full team at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club. Canutillo will compete at the DaVinci Invitational at the Don Haskins Recreation Center.

8. Eastlake: The Falcons are back in the top 10 after finishing fifth at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday. It’s top two runners were senior Giselle Rubio (24th, 22:40.14) and sophomore Itzel Chavez (25th, 22:47.72). Eastlake will compete at the DaVinci Invitational at the Don Haskins Recreation Center on Saturday.

9. Hanks: The Knights finished sixth at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club. Senior Mia Rivera was third in 20:34.74. The team will race at the Lubbock Invitational on Saturday.

10. Americas: The Trailblazers make its season debut after its seventh-place finish at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club. Freshman Lexee Salas was the top finisher, placing 13th in 22:09.25. The team will race at the Lubbock Invitational on Saturday.

Dropped out: Del Valle, Socorro.

On the brink: El Paso High, Burges.

San Elizario senior Samantha Ramirez won the 3,200-meter race at the District Preview Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club in 13:28.83. The Eagles will travel to Queen Creek, Ariz. to race at the Desert Twilight Invitational on Friday.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 17:17.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

2, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 17:20.1 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

3, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 18:28.29 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11)

4, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 18:30.07 (Southlake, 8/28).

5, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 18:59.11 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19:07.10 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

7, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 19:08.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

8, Salma Licon, Eastwood, 19:10.4 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

9, Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 19:11.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

10, Abby Barraza, Franklin, 19:25.63 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

11, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19:37.10 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

12, Ana Rojas, Socorro, 19:38.94 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

13, Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 19:41.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

14, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 19:45.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

15, Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 19:51.64 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

16, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 19:53.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

17, Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 19:57.39 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

18, Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 19:57.84 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

19, Kyra Walker, Coronado, 19:58.38 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

20, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 19:58.92 (Del Valle, 8/28).

21, Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 20:03.13 (Canutillo, 8/21).

22, Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 20:03.35 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

23, Banah Abdeljaber, Coronado, 20:11.1 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

24, Michele Paillard, Franklin, 20:16.4 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

25, Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 20:16.96 (Del Valle, 8/28).

Bel Air senior Abigail Murillo finished fifth in 21:16.43 at the District Preview Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club. The Highlanders will compete at the Desert Twilight Invitational at Queen Creek, Ariz.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 39 (1).

2, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 38 (2).

2, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 38 (2).

4, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 36 (1).

5, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 35 (1).

6, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 34 (1).

6, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 34 (1).

8, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 30 (1).

9, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 27.

10, Monique Correa, Jefferson, 26.

10, Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 26.

Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 25.

Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 23.

Abby Barraza, Franklin, 17.

Samantha Ramirez, San Elizario, 15 (1).

Andrea Castillo, El Paso High, 13.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 13.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 12.

Ana Rojas, Socorro, 10.

Madelyn Estrada, Mt. View, 9.

Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 9.

Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin, 8.

Katelyn Montoya, San Elizario, 8.

Dania Cano, Canutillo, 7.

Lexee Salas, Americas, 7.

Marcela Hernandez, Riverside, 6.

Olivia Garcia, Tornillo, 6.

Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 5.

Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 4.

Natalie Franco, Pebble Hills, 4.

Osmary Vazquez, San Elizario, 4.

Jaylee Levario, Bel Air, 4.

Allison Perez, Coronado, 3.

Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 3.

Disany Sandoval, Del Valle, 3.

Salma Licon, Eastwood, 3.

Jeanette Rivera, YWLA, 3.

Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 2.

Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 2.

Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 2.

Lauren Perez, Riverside, 2.

Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 2.

Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 1.

Jennifer Najar, Canutillo, 1.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 1.

Kyra Walker, Coronado, 1.

Sofia Ramirez, El Paso High, 1.

Ximena Holguin, San Elizario, 1.

High School Boy’s XC Poll: Week 5

Every Thursday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top boy’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 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 girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

District Preview: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 at Vista Hills Country Club. All schools.

Woodbridge Classic: 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 at SilverLakes Sports Complex in Woodbridge, Calif. Eastwood.

A majority of the teams will compete at the District Preview meet at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers did not race on Saturday. The team is focused on the next two weeks when they will travel to two highly competitive races – the 40th annual Woodbridge Cross Country Classic presented by ASICS America in Woodbridge, Calif. on Saturday and the Desert Twilight, the Nike Pre-Southwest Regional meet, in Queen Creek Arizona on Sept. 25.

2. Americas: The Trailblazers won the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park with 33 points. Senior Jared Laverty remains unbeaten this season, winning his fourth race in 2021. He ran a 16:45.06 to led four Americas runners – seniors Carmelo Corral (second, 17:00.57), Aaron Saenz (fifth, 17:30.82) and Jesse Morales (10th, 18:19.95) – in the top 10. Americas will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday. 

3. Franklin: The Cougars placed six runners in the top 10 – including three in the top four – to easily win the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park. Junior Diego Flores won the event in 15:51.32 (11th fastest in the city), junior Austen Percifull was runner up in 16:16.35 (18th fastest in the city), sophomore Frank Lozano was fourth in 16:46.09, junior Oscar Guzman was seventh in 17:01.85, sophomore Sebastian Gonzalez was ninth (17:11.43) and senior Isaac Moreno was tenth in 17:16.04. The Cougars will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday. 

4. Cathedral:  The Irish finished second at its own invitational at Veterans Park with 69 points. Cathedral placed two runners in the top 10 – sophomore Preston Arnett (sixth, 17:54.93) and junior Bernard Martinez (ninth, 18:19.60).

5. San Elizario: The Eagles were third at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park, scoring 74 points.  Junior Chris Moreno was fourth in 17:12.35, the only San Elizario runner in the top 10. 

6. Pebble Hills: The Spartans did not run its varsity on Saturday. The team is expected to race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday. 

7. Eastlake: The Falcons, who were without Israel David, managed a second-place finish at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park. The team had two runners – senior Mario Elias (sixth, 16:54.49) and junior Bryan Estrada (eighth, 17:11.14) – finish in the top 10. The team will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

8. Coronado: The T-Birds did not race a full team at the EPISD Invitational.  Junior Sam Breceda managed a fifth-place finish in 16:49.18. Coronado will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

9. Riverside: The Rangers did not race a full team at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park.  Senior Jayden Bustillos placed third in 16:43.60. Riverside will compete at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

10. Hanks: The Knights placed fourth at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park.  Junior Alejandro Tarin was third (17:11.27) and senior Gael Alvarado was seventh in 17:59.21. The team will race at District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday. 

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: Burges, Chapin, El Paso High.

Hanks junior Alejandro Tarin finished third at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park last Saturday. He owns the city’s 13th best time (16:01.51, Shawver Park).

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 15:02.15 (Del Valle, 8/28).

2, Israel David, Eastlake, 15:02.73 (Del Valle, 8/28).

3, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:04.79 (Del Valle, 8/28).

4, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 15:22.34 (Del Valle, 8/28).

5, Jared Laverty, Americas, 15:24.83 (Canutillo, 8/21).

6, Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 15:35.95 (Del Valle, 8/28).

7, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 15:38.71 (Del Valle, 8/28).

8, Devon Paez, Eastwood, 15:39.93 (Del Valle, 8/28).

9, Carmelo Corral, Americas, 15:41.95 (Canutillo, 8/21).

10, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 15:44.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

11, Diego Flores, Franklin, 15:51.32 (Mary Francis Keisling, 9/11).

12, Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 16:01.41 (Del Valle, 8/28).

13, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 16:01.51 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

14, Victor Anchondo, Eastwood, 16:02.19 (Del Valle, 8/28)

15, Aaron Saenz, Americas 16:04.0 (Cleveland, 8/28).

16, Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 16:10.00 (Del Valle, 8/28).

17, Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 16:12.01 (Del Valle, 8/28).

18, Austen Percifull, Franklin, 16:16.35 (Mary Francis Keisling, 9/11).

19, Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 16:19.03 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

20, Isaac Romero, Franklin, 16:22.86 (Southlake, 8/28).

21, Jacob Becket, Eastwood, 16:29.15 (Del Valle, 8/28).

22, Julian Maldonado, Burges, 16:30.94 (Del Valle, 8/28).

23, Seth Truax, Chapin, 16:34.44 (Del Valle, 8/28).

24, Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 16:40.42 (Del Valle, 8/28).

25, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 16:43.28 (Tornillo, 8/21).

Cathedral sophomore Preston Arnett, who was sixth at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans in 17:54.93, has led the Irish to the fourth spot in the El Paso Running Top 10.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Jared Laverty, Americas, 40 (4).

2, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 35 (1).

3, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 31 (1).

4, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 27.

4, Carmelo Corral, Americas, 27.

6, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 25 (2).

7, Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 22.

8, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 21.

9, Diego Flores, Franklin, 20 (1).

10, Aaron Saenz, Americas, 19.

Israel David, Eastlake, 18.

Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 16.

Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 15.

Austen Percifull, Franklin, 13.

Jayden Bustillos, Riverside, 12.

Devon Paez, Eastwood, 11.

Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 11.

Omar Rivera, Canutillo, 9.

Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 8.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 8.

David Ramirez, El Paso High, 8.

Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 8.

Irvin Vazquez, San Elizario, 8.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 7.

Frank Lozano, Franklin, 7.

Angel Torres, Tornillo, 6.

Sam Breceda, Coronado, 6.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 5.

Julian Maldonado, Burges, 5.

Leo Valenzuela, El Paso High, 5.

Mario Elias, Eastlake, 5.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 4.

Rai Lopez, Franklin, 4.

Aydan Lugo, El Paso High, 4.

Oscar Guzman, Franklin, 4.

Bryan Estrada, Eastlake, 3.

Matthew Maese, San Elizario, 3.

Antonio Palos, Irvin, 3.

Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 2.

Victor Anchondo, Eastwood, 2.

Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 2.

Bernard Martinez, Cathedral, 2.

Luis Martinez, Irvin, 2.

Alan Ceballos, San Elizario, 2.

Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 1.

Isaac Romero, Franklin, 1.

Jesse Morales, Americas, 1.

High School Girl’s XC Poll: Week 5

Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top girls 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 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 girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

District Preview: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 at Vista Hills Country Club. All schools.

Woodbridge Classic: 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 at SilverLakes Sports Complex in Woodbridge, Calif. Eastwood.

We are at the midway mark of the 2021 season as things start to heat up. Vista Hills Country Club will be the place to be on Saturday as all teams are scheduled to compete in the District Preview meet.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers did not race on Saturday. Eastwood has been putting in extra work the past two weeks in preparation of two major races – the 40th annual Woodbridge Cross Country Classic presented by ASICS America in Woodbridge, Calif. on Saturday and the Desert Twilight, the Nike Pre-Southwest Regional meet, in Queen Creek Arizona on Sept. 25.

2. Franklin: The Cougars scored 25 points to win the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday. Franklin placed four of its runners in the top five led by junior Alyssa Laspada (second, 18:52.40), senior Jordan Torres (third, 19:07.10), junior Abby Barraza (fourth, 19:25.63) and senior Jenna Saunders (fifth, 19:37.10). Franklin will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

3. Pebble Hills: The Spartans did not run its top runners at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park. They will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

4. Montwood:  The Rams finished second at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday with 51 points. Junior Kassandra Jimenez turned in a season-best 18:28.29, the second fastest time in the city.  Montwood had two other runners – senior Alexa Rangel (seventh, in 19:51.64) and junior Jazmine Miranda (eighth, 19:57.30) – in the top 10. Rangel and Miranda also ran season-best times. Montwood will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

5. Jefferson: The Foxes did not run a full team at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park but did place two runners – junior Crystal Peterson (third, 21:07.17) and senior Monique Correa (seventh, 21:46.60) – in the top 10. Jefferson will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

6. Coronado: The T-Birds finished continue to improve and finished third at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park with 70 points. Junior Kyra Walker had her best race of her season, finishing 10th in 19:58.38. Coronado will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

7. Del Valle: The Conquistadores did not race a full team at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday. Senior Anisa Sanchez was ninth in a season-best 19:57.84. Del Valle will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

8. Canutillo: The Eagles move up one after winning the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational with 55 points. Junior Natalie Rivera was second in 20:10.43 and junior Dania Cano finished one spot outside of the top 10 in 22:50.26.  Canutillo will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

9. Hanks: The Knights finished second with 89 points at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park and moved down one spot. Senior Mia Rivera picked up her first win of the season in 20:02.00.  The team will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

10. Socorro: The Bulldogs did not run a full team at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park. Senior Ana Rojas was sixth in 19:38.94. The team will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: El Paso High, Burges, Eastlake.

Americas freshman Lexee Salas has been a nice addition as the Trailblazers try to rebuild. She finished fifth at last week’s Loretto/Cathedral Invitational.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 17:58.28 (Del Valle, 8/28).

2, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 18:28.29 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11)

3, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 18:30.07 (Southlake, 8/28).

4, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 18:37.95 (Del Valle, 8/28).

5, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 18:59.11 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19:07.10 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

7, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 19:08.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

8, Abby Barraza, Franklin, 19:25.63 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

9, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19:37.10 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

10, Ana Rojas, Socorro, 19:38.94 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

11, Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 19:41.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

12, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 19:45.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

13, Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 19:51.64 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

14, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 19:53.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

15, Salma Licon, Eastwood, 19:54.44 (Del Valle, 8/28).

16, Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 19:57.39 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

17, Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 19:57.84 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

18, Kyra Walker, Coronado, 19:58.38 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

19, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 19:58.92 (Del Valle, 8/28).

20, Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 20:03.13 (Canutillo, 8/21).

21, Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 20:03.35 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

22, Banah Abdeljaber, Coronado, 20:11.1 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

23, Michele Paillard, Franklin, 20:16.4 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

24, Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 20:16.96 (Del Valle, 8/28).

25, Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 20:18.22 (Del Valle, 8/28).

El Paso High sophomore Andrea Castillo has the Tigers on the brink of El Paso Running’s top 10. She finished eighth at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational in 22:14.16.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 35 (1).

2, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 34 (1).

3, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 31 (2).

3, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 31 (1).

5, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 29 (2).

6, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 28 (1).

7, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 27.

8, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 25.

9, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 24.

10, Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 23.

Monique Correa, Jefferson, 22.

Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 21 (1).

Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 18.

Abby Barraza, Franklin, 17.

Andrea Castillo, El Paso High, 13.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 12.

Ana Rojas, Socorro, 10.

Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 8.

Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin, 8.

Dania Cano, Canutillo, 7.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 7.

Lexee Salas, Americas, 7.

Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 5.

Samantha Ramirez, San Elizario, 5.

Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 4.

Natalie Franco, Pebble Hills, 4.

Jaylee Levario, Bel Air, 4.

Allison Perez, Coronado, 3.

Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 3.

Disany Sandoval, Del Valle, 3.

Salma Licon, Eastwood, 3.

Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 2.

Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 2.

Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 2.

Olivia Garcia, Tornillo, 1.

Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 1.

Jennifer Najar, Canutillo, 1.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 1.

Kyra Walker, Coronado, 1.

Sofia Ramirez, El Paso High, 1.

Monday Cool Down: Older brothers pave way for Americas’ Laverty and Hanks’ Rivera

As young runners, Americas senior Jared Laverty and Hanks senior Mia Rivera always had a team of people encouraging them, pushing them to work harder and to be better.

For the most part the motivation came from club coaches, parents or fellow runners.

But each of them also had someone who actually put in the miles, leading the way through example.

Jared Laverty

Laverty and Rivera have big brothers, both Division 1 athletes, who have inspired their younger siblings throughout the years.

Laverty’s older brother, Cameron, was a mid-distance runner for Americas and at the University of Houston.

While at Americas, Cameron set five school records at including the 400m, 800m, 1600m, 300m hurdles and 4x400m relay.

Rivera’s older brother, Rodger, is sophomore at the University of Texas and was an All-State cross country performer at Hanks, finishing eighth as a junior and third as a senior at the state meet.

“Cameron has helped me a great deal and he’s someone I look up to and admire for what he did,” Laverty told the El Paso Times last week. 

Rivera said her older brother set the pathway for her success and serves as a role model.

“I know that I’m not at his level, but he pushes me to get there,” Rivera said after winning the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday. “He has been there all my life; he has always been by my side.  He pushes me to do better, he tells me when I’m doing something wrong but he’s always there for me no matter what.”

Mia Rivera

Rivera, who picked up her first win of the season, has the city’s 14th fastest time, racing to a 19:53.20 at Shawver Park on Sept. 4.

“I’m where I want to be right now,” she said. “Every day I’m pushing harder. In practice, I’ve been running with the boys and they’re pushing me a lot, that’s why my times have been getting faster.”

Heading into the mid-point of the season, Rivera and Laverty say they are mentally and physically prepared for the championship push.

“I’m racing really well right now,” Rivera said. “My goal is to break 19 minutes because I know colleges are going to be scouting and I want to get a good time so maybe I can earn a scholarship.”

Laverty, who is unbeaten in four races this season, said he too is focused on the stretch run.

“Every year I focus on the long term, and every year the goal is making it to state,” he said. “I’ve been practicing hard all summer with that in mind. I had a really bad junior year so I’m really focused on doing well my senior year.”

Laverty has the city’s fifth fastest boy’s time, clocking in at 15:24.83 at the Canutillo Invitational on Aug. 21.

“I’m always good mentally, even if I lose, I’ll always be in the same mental state to come back,” he said. “I want my senior year to be the best year. I want to make sure we do all the right things. I just want to be the best that I can be and push through with quality work in practice every day.”

High School Boy’s XC Poll: Week 4

Every Thursday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top boy’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 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 girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

EPISD Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at Mary Francis Keisling Park, 651 Gomez. Franklin, Coronado, Bowie, Eastlake, Socorro, Montwood, Riverside, Del Valle, Clint, Ft Hancock. Anthony, LPI, Harmony.

Loretto/Cathedral Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at Veterans Park. Burges, El Paso, Irvin Jefferson, Andress, Chapin, El Dorado, Americas, Eastwood, Valle Verde, Ysleta, Hanks, Parkland, Bel Air, YWLA, Mt.View, Horizon, Tornillo, Canutillo, Pebble Hills, Fabens, Loretto, Cathedral, San Elizario.

The first month of the season has seen some amazing races with city leaders quickly emerging. The next several weeks of racing promise to be just as exciting.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers had four runners in the top 10 – and eight in the top 15 – to win the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club with 37 points. Seniors Isaac Mendoza (fourth, 16:16.53), Andres Gurrola (fifth, 16:18.80) and Victor Anchondo (ninth, 17:03.05) and junior Joaquin Chavez (tenth, 17:04.52) all finished in the top 10. Eastwood will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park. 

2. Americas: The Trailblazers finished second at the Pebble Hills Invitational with 42 points. Senior Jared Laverty picked up his city-leading third win of the season in 15:55.84. Americas had two other runners finish in the top 10 – seniors Carmelo Corral (seventh, 16:35.44) and Aaron Saenz (eighth, 16:10.92). Americas will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park. 

3. Franklin: The Cougars placed third at the Pebble Hills Invitational with 93 points. Junior Diego Flores was the top Franklin runner finishing 11th in 17:48.32.  The Cougars will race at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

4. Cathedral:  The Irish rested last week but will be back in action at its own invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday.

5. San Elizario: The Eagles won the Riverside/Ysleta Invitational at Shawver Park

with 64 points. San Elizario had four runners in the top 10 led by junior Chris Moreno who won the event in 16:01.03. Senior Irvin Vazquez was sixth (17:17.55), junior Matthew Maese was eighth (17:26.49) and senior Alan Ceballos was ninth (17:26.76). San Elizario will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday. 

6. Pebble Hills: The Spartans finished fourth at its own invitational at Vista Hills Country Club. Junior Omer Ibrahim was the lone top 10-finisher, placing sixth in 16:27.48. The team will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday. 

7. Eastlake: The Falcons did not run a full team at Vista Hills Country Club, however, senior Israel David managed his second, runner-up finish in 16:02.95. The team will race at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

8. Coronado: The T-Birds placed fifth at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club. Junior Luis Pastor, finished third in 16:09.55. Junior Sam Flores was the only other T-Bird to finish in the top 20, placing 18th in 18:00.10. Coronado will race at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park.

9. Riverside: The Rangers finished second at its own invitational at Shawver Park with 70 points, six points behind San Elizario. Riverside placed two runners – seniors Andrew Valdiviezo (fourth, 16:53.05) and senior Jayden Bustillos (seventh, 17:19.46) – finish in the top 10. Riverside will compete at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

10. Hanks: The Knights placed third at the Riverside/Ysleta Invitational at Shawver Park. Junior Alejandro Tarin was second (16:01.51) and senior Gael Alvarado was third in 16:19.03. The team will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park. 

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: Burges, Chapin, El Paso High.

The Rangers have put together a solid early season behind seniors Andrew Valdiviezo and Jayden Bustillos.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 15:02.15 (Del Valle, 8/28).

2, Israel David, Eastlake, 15:02.73 (Del Valle, 8/28).

3, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:04.79 (Del Valle, 8/28).

4, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 15:22.34 (Del Valle, 8/28).

5, Jared Laverty, Americas, 15:24.83 (Canutillo, 8/21).

6, Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 15:35.95 (Del Valle, 8/28).

7, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 15:38.71 (Del Valle, 8/28).

8, Devon Paez, Eastwood, 15:39.93 (Del Valle, 8/28).

9, Carmelo Corral, Americas, 15:41.95 (Canutillo, 8/21).

10, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 15:44.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

11, Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 16:01.41 (Del Valle, 8/28).

12, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 16:01.51 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

13, Victor Anchondo, Eastwood, 16:02.19 (Del Valle, 8/28)

14, Aaron Saenz, Americas 16:04.0 (Cleveland, 8/28).

15, Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 16:10.00 (Del Valle, 8/28).

16, Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 16:12.01 (Del Valle, 8/28).

17, Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 16:19.03 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

18, Isaac Romero, Franklin, 16:22.86 (Southlake, 8/28).

19, Diego Flores, Franklin, 16:27.48 (Southlake, 8/28).

20, Jacob Becket, Eastwood, 16:29.15 (Del Valle, 8/28).

21, Julian Maldonado, Burges, 16:30.94 (Del Valle, 8/28).

22, Seth Truax, Chapin, 16:34.44 (Del Valle, 8/28).

23, Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 16:40.42 (Del Valle, 8/28).

24, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 16:43.28 (Tornillo, 8/21).

25, Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 16:46.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

Julian Maldonado has been the top runner for Burges. He turned in a 16:30.94 at Del Valle, the 21st fastest time in the city.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 35 (1).

2, Jared Laverty, Americas, 30 (3).

3, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 25 (2).

4, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 24 (1).

5, Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 22.

6, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 21.

7, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 19.

8, Carmelo Corral, Americas, 18.

8, Israel David, Eastlake, 18.

10, Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 16.

Aaron Saenz, Americas, 13.

Devon Paez, Eastwood, 11.

Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 11.

Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 11.

Diego Flores, Franklin, 10.

Omar Rivera, Canutillo, 9.

Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 8.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 8.

David Ramirez, EPHS, 8.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 7.

Angel Torres, Tornillo, 6.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 5.

Julian Maldonado, Burges, 5.

Leo Valenzuela, EPHS, 5.

Irvin Vazquez, San Elizario, 5.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 4.

Austen Percifull, Franklin, 4.

Jayden Bustillos, Riverside, 4.

Rai Lopez, Franklin, 4.

Aydan Lugo, EPHS, 4.

Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 3.

Matthew Maese, San Elizario, 3.

Antonio Palos, Irvin, 3.

Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 2.

Victor Anchondo, Eastwood, 2.

Luis Martinez, Irvin, 2.

Alan Ceballos, San Elizario, 2.

Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 1.

High School Girl’s XC Poll: Week 4

Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top girls 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 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 girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

EPISD Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at Mary Francis Keisling Park, 651 Gomez. Franklin, Coronado, Bowie, Eastlake, Socorro, Montwood, Riverside, Del Valle, Clint, Ft Hancock. Anthony, LPI, Harmony.

Loretto/Cathedral Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at Veterans Park. Burges, El Paso, Irvin Jefferson, Andress, Chapin El Dorado, Americas, Eastwood, Valle Verde, Ysleta, Hanks, Parkland, Bel Air, YWLA, Mt.View, Horizon, Tornillo, Canutillo, Pebble Hills, Fabens, Loretto, Cathedral, San Elizario.

As the fourth week of the season begins, many teams will resting up for out-of-town invitationals.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers take over the top spot after winning the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club with 38 points, 11 better than previous No. 1 Franklin. Eastwood had three runners – senior Lauren Walls-Portillo (first, 19:05.8), freshman Adelynn Rodriguez (second, 19:43.6) and junior Sophia Watts (ninth, 21:21.1) – finish in the top 10. It was the second straight week Walls-Portillo and Rodriguez finished 1-2. Eastwood’s five scores finished in the top 19. Eastwood will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday.

2. Franklin: The Cougars drop a spot after finishing second at the Pebble Hills Invitational with 47 points. Its top three runners were junior Alyssa Laspada (third, 20:19.10, senior Jenna Saunders (fifth, 20:27.7) and senior Jordan Torres, Franklin (seventh, 21:07.1). Franklin will try to regroup at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

3. Pebble Hills: The Spartans hold steady at No. 3 after its third-place at the Pebble Hills Invitational, scoring 72 points. Its top runners were junior Natalia Martinez (sixth, 20:51.1) and sophomore Carolina Zarrabal (eighth, 21:14.4). Pebble Hills will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday.

4. Montwood:  The Rams did not run a full team at the Ysleta/Riverside Invitational at Shawver Park, however junior Kassandra Jimenez won the event in 19:26.77 and senior Alexa Rangel was fourth in 20:27.46. Montwood will race at EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

5. Jefferson: The Foxes won its second consecutive team championship taking first-place at the Ysleta/Riverside Invitational at Shawver Park with 58 points. Junior Crystal Peterson was fifth in 20:34.35 and senior Monique Correa was sixth in 20:40.23 to lead Jefferson. Jefferson will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday.

6. Coronado: The T-Birds finished fourth at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club with 87 points. Coronado’s top three three runners finished 13th (sophomore Alexa Lawrence, 21:47.1), 14th (junior Kyra Walker, 21:56.2) and 17th (senior Banah Abdeljaber (22:14.9). Coronado will race at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

7. Del Valle: The Conquistadores did not race a full team at the Ysleta/Riverside Invitational. It’s top two runners were seniors Anisa Sanchez (12th, 21:09.11) and   Disany Sandoval (13th, 21:12.83). Del Valle will at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

8. Hanks: The Knights finished second with 75 points at the Ysleta/Riverside Invitational at Shawver Park. Senior Mia Rivera was third in 19:53.20. Freshman Elizabeth Aguirre was the only top 20 runner, placing 15th in 21:53.64.  The team will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday.

9. Canutillo: The Eagles were third (four points behind Hanks) at the Ysleta/Riverside Invitational.  Junior Natalie Rivera was second overall in 19:45.20 and junior Dania Cano was ninth in 20:57.06. Canutillo will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational on Saturday.

10. Socorro: For the second straight week, the Bulldogs did not run a full team at the Pebble Hills Invitational. Senior Ana Rojas was 12th in 21:44.8. The team will race at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: El Paso High, Burges, Eastlake.

Hanks senior Mia Rivera is having a great season, ranking in the top 20 in overall time and in the top 10 in power rankings.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 17:58.28 (Del Valle, 8/28).

2, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 18:30.07 (Southlake, 8/28).

3, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 18:37.95 (Del Valle, 8/28).

4, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 18:59.11 (Del Valle, 8/28).

5, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 18:59.84 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 19:08.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

7, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19:22.07 (Canutillo, 8/21).

8, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19:37.63 (Southlake, 8/28).

9, Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 19:41.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

10, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 19:45.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

11, Ana Rojas, Socorro, 19:46.94 (Del Valle, 8/28).

12, Abby Barraza, Franklin, 19:52.45 (Canutillo, 8/21).

13, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 19:53.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

14, Salma Licon, Eastwood, 19:54.44 (Del Valle, 8/28).

15, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 19:58.92 (Del Valle, 8/28).

16, Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 20:03.13 (Canutillo, 8/21).

17, Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 20:16.96 (Del Valle, 8/28).

18, Michele Paillard, Franklin, 20:47.35 (Southlake, 8/28).

19, Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 20:52.26 (Canutillo, 8/21).

20, Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 20:55.11 (Canutillo, 8/21).

21, Lexee Salas, Americas, 20:57.20 (Cleveland, 8/28).

22, Isabella Medina, Americas, 21:03.20 (Canutillo, 8/21).

23, Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 21:08.65 (Chaparral, 8/28).

24, Monique Correa, Jefferson, 21:17.61 (Chaparral, 8/28).

25, Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 20:18.22 (Del Valle, 8/28).

The Pebble Hills girls have been this season’s sleeper, ranking at No. 3 in this week’s El Paso Running Top 10.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 29 (2).

2, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 28 (1).

3, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 26 (1).

4, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 25 (1).

5, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 24.

6, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 21 (1).

6, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 21 (1).

6, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 21.

9, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19.

9, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19.

Monique Correa, Jefferson, 18.

Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 15.

Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 14.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 12.

Abby Barraza, Franklin, 10.

Andrea Castillo, EPHS, 10.

Dania Cano, Canutillo, 7.

Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 6.

Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin, 6.

Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 5.

Ana Rojas, Socorro, 5.

Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 4.

Natalie Franco, Pebble Hills, 4.

Jaylee Levario, Bel Air, 4.

Allison Perez, Coronado, 3.

Disany Sandoval, Del Valle, 3.

Salma Licon, Eastwood, 3.

Ana Rojas, Coronado, 3.

Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 2.

Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 2.

Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 2.

Olivia Garcia, Tornillo, 1.

Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 1.

Jennifer Najar, Canutillo, 1.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 1.

Lexee Salas, Americas, 1.

High School Boy’s XC Poll: Week 3

Every Thursday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top boy’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 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 girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

Riverside/Ysleta Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 at Shawver Park. El Paso, Jefferson, Bowie, Austin, Chapin, Montwood, Americas, El Dorado, Valle Verde, Riverside, Ysleta, Del Valle, Hanks, Parkland, Bel Air, YWLA, Mt. View, Clint, San Eli, Fabens, Harmony, Canutillo.

Pebble Hills Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 at Vista Hills Country Club. Burges, Coronado, Franklin, Irvin, Andress, Horizon, Eastlake, Pebble Hills, Socorro, Eastwood, Santa Teresa, Chaparral, Gadsden, Ft. Hancock, LPI, Cathedral, Loretto, Anthony.

Eastwood had seven runners in the top 15 spots to win the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle. The team is ranked in the Top 10 in Texas in Class 6A.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troops had seven runners in the top 15 spots to easily win the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle with 37 points. Seniors Andres Gurrola, Isaac Mendoza and Devon Paez placed in the top 10 – fourth for Gurrola (15:22.34), fifth for Mendoza (15:35.95) and seventh for Paez (15:39.93). Senior Victor Anchondo was 11th in 16:02.19, junior Joaquin Chavez was 12th (16:10.00), junior Anthony Casillas was 13th (16:12.01) and sophomore Jacob Beckett was 15th (16:29.15). Eastwood will race at the at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

2. Americas: The Trailblazers beat some of New Mexico’s best teams to win the Cleveland (NM) Invitational with 48 points. Senior Jared Laverty led from start to finish to pick up his second win of the season in 15:30.70.  Seniors Melo Corral (fifth, 15:56.90) and Aaron Saenz (seventh, 16:04.00) finished in the top 10. Another senior, Jesse Morales finished 16th in 17:01.90. The team will race at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

3. Franklin: For Cougars got a taste of a big-time race when they traveled to the Southlake Carroll Invitational. The team finished 14th out of 33 teams that included Southlake Carroll, Denton High, Prosper and Lewisville Hebron. In a solid field of 227 runners, senior Isaac Romero finished 44th in 16:22.86. The Cougars will race at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills on Saturday.

4. Cathedral:  The Irish are for real. Cathedral finished second at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational with 98 points, beating San Elizario, Eastlake, Pebble Hills and Coronado. Cathedral’s scoring five finished within 14 spots of each other. Sophomore Preston Arnett was 18th in 16:40.42, junior Elijah Noble was 21st in 16:50.30 and junior Bernard Martinez was 23rd in 16:58.54. Cathedral will race at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

5. San Elizario: The Eagles showed grit and determination at Del Valle and pulled out a third-place finish, just 14 points behind Cathedral. Junior Chris Moreno was again the low man for San Elizario, finishing sixth (15:38.71) in this highly competitive race. Senior Irvin Vazquez was the only other top 25 runner, placing 25th in 17:00.30. San Eli will race at the Ysleta/Riverside Invitational at Shawver Park.

6. Pebble Hills: The Spartans drop one spot after placing fifth at the Rudy Alvarez Junior Omer Ibrahim won his second race of the season, turning in a U.S. and state-best 15:02.15, a personal best by 37 seconds. Junior Noah Castorena was 20th in 16:49.11. The team will race in its own invitational at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

7. Eastlake: The Falcons make its 2021 Top 10 debut after placing fourth at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational. It must be nice to have senior Israel David back. In his first race of the season, David nearly out-leaned Pebble Hills’ Ibrahim at the end for the win but had to settle for second in 15:02.73. After David, there is huge gap as the next fastest runner finished in 27th place (Bryan Estrada, 17:03.95). The team needs to work on its pack running in order to contend for a spot to regionals in a very difficult District 1-6A. Eastlake will race at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

8. Coronado: The T-Birds drop a spot after a sixth-place finish at the Rudy Alvarez. Junior Luis Pastor continues his great season, finishing third in 15:04.79. Pastor was the only T-Bird to finish in the top 25. Coronado will race at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

9. Riverside: The Rangers finished seventh at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational and remain at No. 9.  Senior Andrew Valdiviezo had another top 10 finish (ninth, 16:01.41). The team will race in its own invitational at Shawver Park on Saturday.

10. Hanks: The Knights drop two spots. Junior Alejandro Tarin (10th, 16:02.00) and senior Gael Alvarado (14th, 16:28.59), continue to gobble up points for Hanks. Depth appears to be an issue as the next Knight to finish was 62nd.  The team will race at the Riverside/Ysleta Invitational at Shawver Park on Saturday.

Dropped out: Tornillo.

On the brink: Burges, El Paso High.

Pebble Hills Junior Omer Ibrahim raced to a U.S. and state-best 15:02.15 at Del Valle on Saturday.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 15:02.15 (Del Valle, 8/28).

2, Israel David, Eastlake, 15:02.73 (Del Valle, 8/28).

3, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:04.79 (Del Valle, 8/28).

4, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 15:22.34 (Del Valle, 8/28).

5, Jared Laverty, Americas, 15:24.83 (Canutillo, 8/21).

6, Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 15:35.95 (Del Valle, 8/28).

7, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 15:38.71 (Del Valle, 8/28).

8, Devon Paez, Eastwood, 15:39.93 (Del Valle, 8/28).

9, Carmelo Corral, Americas, 15:41.95 (Canutillo, 8/21).

10, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 15:44.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

11, Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 16:01.41 (Del Valle, 8/28).

12, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 16:02.00 (Del Valle, 8/28).

13, Victor Anchondo, Eastwood, 16:02.19 (Del Valle, 8/28)

14, Aaron Saenz, Americas 16:04.0 (Cleveland, 8/28).

15, Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 16:10.00 (Del Valle, 8/28).

16, Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 16:12.01 (Del Valle, 8/28).

17, Isaac Romero, Franklin, 16:22.86 (Southlake, 8/28).

18, Diego Flores, Franklin, 16:27.48 (Southlake, 8/28).

19, Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 16:28.59 (Del Valle, 8/28).

20, Jacob Becket, Eastwood, 16:29.15 (Del Valle, 8/28).

21, Julian Maldonado, Burges, 16:30.94 (Del Valle, 8/28).

22, Seth Truax, Chapin, 16:34.44 (Del Valle, 8/28).

23, Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 16:40.42 (Del Valle, 8/28).

24, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 16:43.28 (Tornillo, 8/21).

25, Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 16:46.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

Tornillo’s Daniel Romero ran a season best 15:44.07 – good for 10th in the city – at the Del Valle Invitational.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 27 (1).

2, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 20 (2).

2, Jared Laverty, Americas, 20 (2).

4, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 15.

4, Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 15.

6, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 14.

6, Carmelo Corral, Americas, 14.

8, Devon Paez, Eastwood, 11.

8, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 11.

10, Diego Flores, Franklin, 10.

10, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 10.

10, Aaron Saenz, Americas, 10.

Israel David, Eastlake, 9.

Omar Rivera, Canutillo, 9.

Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 9.

Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 8.

David Ramirez, EPHS, 7.

Angel Torres, Tornillo, 6.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 5.

Julian Maldonado, Burges, 5.

Leo Valenzuela, EPHS, 5.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 5.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 4.

Austen Percifull, Franklin, 4.

Rai Lopez, Franklin, 4.

Aydan Lugo, EPHS, 4.

Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 3.

Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 3.

Antonio Palos, Irvin, 3.

Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 2.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 2.

Luis Martinez, Irvin, 2.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 1.

Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 1.