Month: August 2023

High School Boy’s Cross Country 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 boys race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

Americas Invitational: 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1 at Blackie Chesher Park. Pebble Hills, Mt View, Austin, El Paso, Andress, Burges, Americas, Hanks, Parkland, Horizon, Ysleta.

Clint/Riverside Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 at Clint High School. Del Valle, Chapin, Jefferson, Bowie, Franklin, Socorro, El Dorado, VVECHS, YWLA, Montwood, Tornillo, Bel Air, Fabens, Clint, Loretto, Cathedral, Eastwood, San Eli, Canutillo, Riverside, Harmony, Anthony, Coronado, Irvin.

Pebble Hills aenior Mark Barajas, center, had a top 10 finish in Albuquerque placing seventh in 16:09.0.

Top 10

1. Franklin: The Eastwood Twilight Invitational came down to Franklin’s sixth runner Gabriel Uranga who finished ahead of Eastwood’s sixth runner, giving the Cougars the win at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday. The teams tied at 36 after Franklin placed four runners – senior Matthew Engle (third, 15:36.19), senior Juan Leal (fourth, 15:38.50), senior Adan Castillo (seventh, 15:52.10) and senior Carlos Mendez (tenth, 16:00.64) – in the top 10. The team will race at the Clint/Riverside Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

2. Eastwood: The Troopers had four runners in the top 10 at their Twilight Invitational, including junior Aidan Torres who set a city-best 15:28.90 to win the event. Senior Sulliman Rodriguez was fifth in 15:39.73, senior Leo Espino was sixth in 15:44.38 and junior Luke Cruz (eighth,      15:55.39). Next up is the Clint/Riverside Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

3. El Paso High: The Tigers finished third at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational with 104 points. For the second week in a row, junior Miles Westbrook was second in 15:34.11. Senior Leo Valenzuela was 13th in 16:15.98. El Paso will race the Americas Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park on Friday morning.       

4. San Elizario: The Eagles jump two spots after placing fourth at the Eastwood Twilight with 133 points. Its top two runners were senior Julian Guerra (11th, 16:03.12) and senior Angel Maese (15th, 16:23.61). The team will race at the Clint/Riverside Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

5. Coronado: The T-Birds drop one after finishing fifth at the Eastwood Twilight with 150 points. Senior Edgar Valles had another top 10 finish, placing ninth in 15:59.00. Sophomore Humberto Serna was 14th in 16:16.93. The team will travel to Clint High School for Clint/Riverside Invitational on Saturday.

6. Pebble Hills: The Spartans finished eighth at the Cleveland Invitational in Albuquerque and dropped one spot. Senior Mark Barajas had a top 10 finish, placing seventh in 16:09.0.The team will race the Americas Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park on Friday morning.

7. Chapin: The Huskies placed seventh at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational. The team was without its top runner, senior Seth Truax.  Junior Braulio Torres finished 20th in 16:37.93. Chapin will race at the Clint/Riverside Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

8. Eastlake: The Falcons finished ninth at the Cleveland Invitational in Albuquerque. Its top runner was Devyn Armendariz who was 44th in 17:52.6.

9. Burges: The Mustangs finished sixth at the Eastwood Twilight. Junior Malin Arnoldussen was the top runner, finishing 31st in 17:02.00. Burges will race the Americas Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park on Friday morning.  

10. Bel Air: The Highlanders crack the top 10 with its eighth-place finish at the Eastwood Twilight. Its top two runners were senior Hernnan Duarte (32nd, 17:03.29) and senior Leonardo Resendez (33rd, 17:03.68). Bel Air will race at the Clint/Riverside Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

Dropped out: Socorro.

On the brink: Del Valle.

El Paso High junior Ulysses O’Rourke clocked the city’s 25th fastest time last week at the Eastside Sports Complex finishing in 16:39.37.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Aidan Torres, Eastwood, 15:28.90 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

2, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 15:31.34 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

3, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 15:34.11 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

4, Juan Leal, Franklin, 15:38.50 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

5, Sulliman Rodriguez, Eastwood, 15:39.73 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

6, Leo Espino, Eastwood, 15:44.38 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

7, Adan Castillo, Franklin, 15:52.10 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

8, Luke Cruz, Eastwood, 15:55.39 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

9, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 15:59.00 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

10, Carlos Mendez, Franklin, 16:00.64 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

11, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 16:03.12 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

12, Diego Romero, Americas, 16:05.7 (Cleveland Invitational, 8/26).

13, Mark Barajas, Pebble Hills, 16:09.0 (Cleveland Invitational, 8/26).

14, Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 16:10.26 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

15, Israel Quintana, Immanuel Christian, 16:15.78 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

16, Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 16:15.98 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

17, Humberto Serna, Coronado, 16:16.93 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

18, Angel Maese, San Elizario, 16:23.61 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

19, Seth Truax, Chapin, 16:27.53 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

20, Eric Gonzalez, Eastwood, 16:30.89  (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

21, Gabriel Uranga, Franklin, 16:33.62 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

22, Sebastian Mendez, Franklin, 16:35.41 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

23, Braulio Torres, Chapin, 16:37.93 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

24, Rodrigo Pinales, Coronado, 16:38.34 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

25, Ulysses O’Rourke, El Paso, 16:39.37 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

Burges junior Malin Arnoldussen has helped lead the Mustangs this season.

Power Rankings

1, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 28 (1).

2, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 27 (1).

3, Diego Romero, Americas, 22 (1).

4, Aidan Torres, Eastwood, 20 (2).

4, Juan Leal, Franklin, 20.

6, Adan Castillo, Franklin, 17.

7, Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 14.

8, Sulliman Rodriguez, Eastwood, 13.

8, Humberto Serna, Coronado, 13 (1).

8, Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 13.

 Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 12.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 11.

Max Sandhu, Coronado, 9.

Rodrigo Pinales, Coronado, 8.

Ulysses O’Rourke, El Paso, 8.

Luke Cruz, Eastwood, 8.

Edgar Valles, Coronado, 8.

Carlos Mendez, Franklin, 8.

Eirik Arredondo, Austin, 8.

Evan Romero, Canutillo, 8.

Leonardo Resendez, Bel Air, 7.

Lorenzo Shields, El Paso, 7.

Bradley Jacobo, Montwood, 6.

Esteban Armendariz, Burges, 6.

Leo Espino, Eastwood, 6.

Jeremiah Loustaunau, Austin, 6.

Hernnan Duarte, Bel Air, 5.

Jesse Ortiz, Fabens, 5.

Mark Barajas, Pebble Hills, 5.

Justin Ontiveros, El Paso, 4.

Jorge Soto, Pebble Hills, 3.

Yael Lira, Bel Air, 3.

Damian Espinosa, Del Valle, 3.

Gabriel Uranga, Franklin, 3.

Sebastian Mendez, Franklin, 3.

Pedro Jimenez, Austin, 3

Jayden (Seth) Vargas, Montwood, 2.

Malin Arnoldussen, Burges, 2.

Benjamin Lerma, Canutillo, 2

Ivan Martinez, Socorro, 1.

Abraham Martinez, Horizon, 1.

Jacob Martinez, Franklin, 1.

High School Girl’s Cross Country Poll: Week 3

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

Americas Invitational: 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 1 at Blackie Chesher Park. Pebble Hills, Mt View, Austin, El Paso, Andress, Burges, Americas, Hanks, Parkland, Horizon, Ysleta.

Clint/Riverside Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2 at Clint High School. Del Valle, Chapin, Jefferson, Bowie, Franklin, Socorro, El Dorado, VVECHS, YWLA, Montwood, Tornillo, Bel Air, Fabens, Clint, Loretto, Cathedral, Eastwood, San Eli, Canutillo, Riverside, Harmony, Anthony, Coronado, Irvin.

The Bulldogs finished fifth at the Eastwood Twilight and remain at No. 9.

Top 10

1. Franklin: Franklin won the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at the Eastside Sports Complex scoring 22 points. The Cougars placed six runners in the top 10 including sophomore Emily Orr (second, 18:47.98), sophomore Abigail Pinon (third, 18:49.74), junior Sophia Keiser (fourth, 19:03.07), senior Victoria Hoyt (sixth, 19:35.13), senior Brooke McCune (seventh, 19:42.21) and junior Olivia Elder (tenth, 20:06.55). Franklin will race the Clint/Riverside Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

2. Pebble Hills: The Spartans finished seventh at the Cleveland Invitational in Albuquerque with 187 points.  Senior Carolina Zarrabal was the only top 20 runner, finishing 19th in 20:43.3. Pebble Hills will race at the Americas Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park on Friday.

3. Eastwood: The Troopers finished second at their Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex with 55 points. Junior Adelynn Rodriguez won her second straight race finishing 18:07.54. Freshman Danika Sifuentes was the only Trooper in the top 20, finishing 19th in 21:09.94. The team will race the Clint/Riverside Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

4. Americas: The Trailblazers finished ninthat the Cleveland Invitational in Albuquerque with 237 points. Senior Cleo Naranjo was the top El Paso runner, finishing in 20:25.9, good for 15th place. The Trailblazers will run at its own Invitational on Friday morning.

5. Montwood: The Rams did not run its full team at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex. Sophomore Mia Hairston did manage an 11th place finish in 20:23.01. The Rams will race at the Clint/Riverside Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

6. Chapin: Chapin moved up one after its third-place finish at the Eastwood Twilight, scoring 90 points. Junior Rebecca Duran was fifth in 19:28.4, freshman Jocelynne Diaz Torres was 12th in 20:24.22 and junior Ava Dennis was 13th in 20:26.52. The team will race the Clint/Riverside Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

7. El Paso High: The Tigers drop another spot after a fourth-place finish at the Eastwood Twilight with 111 points. El Paso’s top finisher was freshman Emma Guevara (24th in 21:40.66). The Tigers are scheduled to race at the Americas Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park on Friday.

8. Hanks: The Knights did not run a full team at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational on Friday night. Junior Elizabeth Aguirre had a top 10 finish, placing eighth in 19:57.20. Expect Hanks to improve when last year’s No. 1 runner Destinee Loeza returns from volleyball and last year’s No. 4  Alina Levario recovers from an injury. Hanks will race the Americas Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park on Friday.

9. Socorro: The Bulldogs finished fifth at the Eastwood Twilight with 123 points. Its top runner was freshman Adelaide Carbone who finished 28th in 22:55.34. The team will race at the Clint/Riverside Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

10. Canutillo: The Eagles finished third at the Gadsden Invitational. The team had three runners in the top 10 – sophomore Nevaeh Escobedo (fourth, 24:02.27), sophomore Sariah Lopez (eighth, 25:44.59) and freshman Natalie Cottrill (tenth, 26:03.97). They will race at the Clint/Riverside Invitational at Clint High School on Saturday.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: Coronado, Eastlake.

Senior Cleo Naranjo was the top El Paso runner at the Cleveland Invitational in Albuquerque, finishing in 20:25.9, good for 15th place.

Top Times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 18:07.54 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

2, Emily Orr, Franklin, 18:09.69 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

3, Abigail Pinon, Franklin, 18:49.74 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

4, Sophia Keiser, Franklin, 19:03.07 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

5, Rebecca Duran, Chapin, 19:28.46 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

6, Victoria Hoyt, Franklin, 19:35.13 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

7, Brooke McCune, Franklin, 19:42.21 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

8, Olivia Elder, Franklin, 19:47.03 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

9, Elizabeth Aguirre, Hanks, 19:57.20 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

10, Alexia Martinez, Fabens, 19:59.59  (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

11, Jocelynne Diaz Torres, Chapin, 20:17.54 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

12, Ava Dennis, Chapin, 20:20.06 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

13, Breckyn Wiebe, Franklin, 20:20.70 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

14, Mia Hairston, Montwood, 20:23.01 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

15, Cleo Naranjo, Americas, 20:25.9 (Cleveland Invitational, 8/26).

16, Hannah Martinez, Franklin, 20:36.09 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

17, Tessa Gibbons, Franklin, 20:38.80 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

18, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 20:43.3 (Cleveland Invitational, 8/26).

19, Kareena Talavera, Pebble Hills, 20:53.4 (Cleveland Invitational, 8/26).

20, Aubrey Arsenault, Pebble Hills, 20:55.4 (Cleveland Invitational, 8/26).

21, Natalie Martinez, Eastlake, 21:00.97 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

22, Alexandra Ordaz, San Elizairo 21:07.05 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

23, Biviana Garcia, Chapin, 21:08.24 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

24, Destinee Loeza, Hanks, 21:09.51 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

25, Danika Sifuentes, Eastwood, 21:09.94 (Eastside Sports Complex, 8/25).

Chapin junior Rebecca Duran turned in the city’s fifth fastest time last week at the Eastwood Twilight.

Power Rankings

1, Emily Orr, Franklin, 29 (2).

2, Abigail Pinon, Franklin, 26.

3, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 20 (2).

3, Sophia Keiser, Franklin, 20.

5, Brooke McCune, Franklin, 18.

6, Mia Hairston, Montwood, 16 (1).

6, Elizabeth Aguirre, Hanks, 16.

6, Nevaeh Escobedo, Canutillo, 16.

9, Rebecca Duran, Chapin, 13.

10, Alexia Martinez, Fabens, 12 (1).

10, Victoria Hoyt, Franklin, 12

10, Olivia Elder, Franklin, 12.

Cleo Naranjo, Americas, 9.

Layla Aguilar, Montwood, 8.

Dayanara Gonzalez, Mt. View, 8.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 8.

Ava Dennis, Chapin, 8.

Nadine Villasana, Socorro, 7.

Angel Quinonez, Fabens, 7.

Kareena Talavera, Pebble Hills, 7.  

Kailee Fierro, Bel Air, 6.

Jacqueline Gonzalez, Horizon, 6.

Katia Rodriguez, Coronado, 5.

Lileni Ayala, Mt. View, 5.

Aubrey Arsenault, Pebble Hills, 5.  

Carolyna Noriega, Bel Air, 4.

Ashlyn McMillian, Hanks, 4.

Laila Morales, Americas, 4.

Sienna Zarate, Franklin, 3.

Kylee Pardo, San Elizario, 3.

Jocelynne Diaz Torres, Chapin, 3.

Valentina Tarriba, Socorro, 3.

Calista Sakellakos, El Paso, 3.

Sariah Lopez, Canutillo, 3.

Sam Torres, Socorro, 2.

Sofia Speer, El Paso, 2.

Alexandra Ordaz, San Elizario, 2.

Hannah Martinez, Franklin, 1.

Amavely Carrasco, Coronado, 1.

Lily Arias, Hanks, 1.

Breckyn Wiebe, Franklin, 1.

Danika Sifuentes, Eastwood, 1.

Natalie Cottrill Canutillo, 1.

High School Boy’s Cross Country Poll: Week 2

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 boys race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

Eastwood Twilight Invitational: 6 p.m. at Eastside Sports Complex.Eastwood, Franklin, El Paso, Chapin, Jefferson, El Dorado,Loretto, Bel Air, Hanks, VVECHS, Del Valle, Ysleta, Socorro, Montwood, Tornillo, Harmony, San Eli, YWLA, Horizon, Clint, Riverside, Fabens, Coronado, Irvin, Bowie.

Gadsden ISD Invitational: 8 a.m. at Chaparral High School. Austin, Burges, YWLA, Canutillo, Anthony.

Albuquerque Invitational: Andress, Eastlake, Pebble Hills, Americas.

Franklin is ranked No. 7 in the state by the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas

Top 10

1. Franklin: The Cougars, who ranked No. 7 in the state by the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas, placed eight runners in the top 10 to win their invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park with 16 points. Four seniors led the way with Matthew Engle taking top honors in 15:31.34 followed by Juan Leal (second, 15:58.83), Adan Castillo (third, 15:59.09) and Sebastian Gonzalez (fourth, 16:10.26). Other top 10 runners were senior Carlos Mendez (sixth, 16:24.61), senior Gabriel Uranga (eighth, 16:43.43), sophomore Sebastian Mendez (ninth, 16:44.84) and sophomore Jacob Martinez (tenth, 16:49.94). The team will race at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday.

2. Eastwood: The Troopers won the 3.4-mile Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School scoring 37 points. Eastwood had four runners in the top 10 including junior Aidan Torres who won his first varsity race in 17:30.01. Senior 4, Sulliman Rodriguez, was fourth in 17:48.46, junior Luke Cruz was sixth in 17:52.08 and senior Leo Espino was tenth in 18:13.69. Eastwood will race at its own invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday.

3. El Paso High: The Tigers move up one after its second place showing at the Canutillo Invitational with 71 points. Junior Miles Westbrook was second in 17:42.51 and senior Leo Valenzuela was seventh in 17:53.53. The team will race at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday.

4. Coronado: The T-Birds move up two spots, finishing third at the Canutillo Invitational with 96 points. Senior Edgar Valles was fifth in 17:48.76, sophomore Humberto Serna was eighth in 17:56.77 and junior Max Sandhu was 11th in 18:15.97. They will compete at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday night.

5. Pebble Hills: The Spartans were fourth at the Canutillo Invitational with 110 points. Senior Mark Barajas was ninth in 17:59.19. The team will travel to Albuquerque on Saturday.

6. San Elizario: The Eagles drop three spots after its fifth-place finish at Canutillo. It’s top runners were senior Angel Maese (13th, 18:34.21) and senior Julian Guerra (15th, 18:55.38). The team will regroup for the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday.

7. Chapin: The Huskies move up one after its second-place finish at the Franklin Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park with 54 points. SeniorSeth Truax was seventh in 16:27.53 and senior Sean Sanchez was 12th in 17:01.20. Chapin will have another challenge at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex Friday night.

8. Eastlake: The Falcons move up two spots. In its season debut, Eastlake finished third at the Franklin Invitational with 89 points. Its top runner was junior Sebastian Garces was 16th in 17:27.52. The team will travel to Albuquerque on Saturday.

9. Burges: The Mustangs crack the top 10 with a sixth-place finish at the Canutillo Invitational. Burges had two top 10 runners – juniors Malin Arnoldussen (18th, 19:05.91) and Jesus Gastelum-Bustamante (20th, 19:14.53). Burges will race at the Gadsden Invitational at Chaparral High School on Saturday.

10. Socorro: The Bulldogs crack the top 10 after scoring 115 points to finish fourth at the Franklin Invitational. Socorro’s top runner was freshman Jorge Mendez who finished 22nd in 18:33.55. The team will race Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday

Dropped out: Americas, Hanks.

On the brink: Bel Air, Del Valle.

Immanuel Christian’s Israel Quintana turned in the city’s fifth fastest time, a 16:15.78 at last week’s Franklin Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 15:31.34 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

2, Juan Leal, Franklin, 15:58.83 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

3, Adan Castillo, Franklin, 15:59.09 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

4, Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 16:10.26 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

5, Israel Quintana, Immanuel Christian, 16:15.78 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

6, Carlos Mendez, Franklin, 16:24.61 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

7, Seth Truax, Chapin, 16:27.53 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

8, Diego Romero, Americas, 16:42.66 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

9, Gabriel Uranga, Franklin, 16:43.43 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

10, Sebastian Mendez, Franklin, 16:44.84 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

11, Jacob Martinez, Franklin, 16:49.94 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

12, Sebastian Camacho, Franklin, 16:57.25 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

13, Sean Sanchez, Chapin, 17:01.20 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

14, Eric Martinez, Franklin, 17:07.50 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

15, Braulio Torres, Chapin, 17:18.75 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19.

16, Jose Rosa, Chapin, 17:23.72 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).        

17, Sebastian Garces, Eastlake, 17:27.52 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

18, Jorge Soto, Pebble Hills, 17:28.95 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

19, Aidan Torres, Eastwood, 17:30.01 (Canutillo Middle, 8/19).

20, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 17:42.51 (Canutillo Middle, 8/19).

21, Dauntae Herrera, Chapin, 17:46.31 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

22, Sulliman Rodriguez, Eastwood, 17:48.46 (Canutillo Middle, 8/19).

23, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 17:48.76 (Canutillo Middle, 8/19).

24, Luke Cruz, Eastwood, 17:52.08 (Canutillo Middle, 8/19).

25, Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 17:53.53 (Canutillo Middle, 8/19).

Chapin’s Seth Truax is having a strong early season.

Power Rankings

1, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 19 (1).

1, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 19 (1).

3, Diego Romero, Americas, 18 (1).

4, Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 14.

5, Adan Castillo, Franklin, 13.

5, Humberto Serna, Coronado, 13 (1).

5, Juan Leal, Franklin, 13.

5, Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 13.

9, Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 12.

10, Seth Truax, Chapin, 11.

Aidan Torres, Eastwood, 10 (1).

Max Sandhu, Coronado, 9.

Rodrigo Pinales, Coronado, 8.

Ulysses O’Rourke, El Paso, 8.

Leonardo Resendez, Bel Air, 7.

Lorenzo Shields, El Paso, 7.

Sulliman Rodriguez, Eastwood, 7.

Carlos Mendez, Franklin, 7.

Bradley Jacobo, Montwood, 6.

Esteban Armendariz, Burges, 6.

Edgar Valles, Coronado, 6.

Hernnan Duarte, Bel Air, 5.

Luke Cruz, Eastwood, 5.

Jesse Ortiz, Fabens, 5.

Evan Romero, Canutillo, 4.

Justin Ontiveros, El Paso, 4.

Jorge Soto, Pebble Hills, 3.

Yael Lira, Bel Air, 3.

Damian Espinosa, Del Valle, 3.

Gabriel Uranga, Franklin, 3.

Sebastian Mendez, Franklin, 3.

Jayden (Seth) Vargas, Montwood, 2.

Malin Arnoldussen, Burges, 2.

Mark Barajas, Pebble Hills, 2.

Ivan Martinez, Socorro, 1.

Abraham Martinez, Horizon, 1.

Leo Espino, Eastwood, 1.

Jacob Martinez, Franklin, 1.

High School Girl’s Cross Country Poll: Week 2

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

Eastwood Twilight Invitational: 6 p.m. at Eastside Sports Complex.Eastwood, Franklin, El Paso, Chapin, Jefferson, El Dorado,Loretto, Bel Air, Hanks, VVECHS, Del Valle, Ysleta, Socorro, Montwood, Tornillo, Harmony, San Eli, YWLA, Horizon, Clint, Riverside, Fabens, Coronado, Irvin, Bowie.

Gadsden ISD Invitational: 8 a.m. at Chaparral High School. Austin, Burges, YWLA, Canutillo, Anthony.

Albuquerque Invitational: Andress, Eastlake, Pebble Hills, Americas.

Pebble Hills won the the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School and moved up to No. 2 in the city.

Top 10

1. Franklin: Franklin is ranked No. 7 in the state by the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas. Cougar runners claimed the top six spots at the Franklin Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park.  Sophomore Emily Orr won her second straight individual title in 18:09.69 followed by classmate Abigail Pinon (19:18.96.). Junior Sophia Keiser was third in 19:25.90, junior Olivia Elder fourth (19:47.03), senior Brooke McCune was fifth (19:59.47) and senior Victoria Hoyt was sixth (20:08.10). Senior Breckyn Wiebe was tenth in 20:20.70.  Franklin will race at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday.

2. Pebble Hills: The Spartans move up one spot after winning the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School with 40 points. Pebble Hills had three in the top 10 – senior Carolina Zarrabal (third, 22:32.91), freshman Kareena Talavera (fourth, 22:34.84) and sophomore Aubrey Arsenault (sixth, 23:14.14). The course was 3.4 miles. The team will compete at the Albuquerque Invitational on Saturday.

3. Eastwood: The Troopers drop one spot after finishing third with 52 points at the Canutillo Invitational. Junior Adelynn Rodriguez on the 3.4-mile race in 20:56.28. Eastwood, which was not at full strength, also had two runners – freshman Danika Sifuentes, Eastwood (10th, 23:35.60) and sophomore Madison McGuire (11th, 23:40.80) place in the top 11. The team will race at its own invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday.

4.  Americas: The Trailblazers make a huge jump up five spots after its second-place finish at the 3.4-mile Canutillo Invitational with 46 points, six fewer than Pebble Hills. Senior Cleo Naranjo was second in 22:28.69 and junior Laila Morales was seventh in 23:16.56. The team will travel to Albuquerque on Saturday.

5. Montwood: The Rams move up one after its fourth-place finish at Canutillo with 131 points. Sophomore Mia Hairston was the lone top 10 runner, completing the 3.4-mile course in 22:40.93. The team is scheduled to race at the Canutillo Invitational on Saturday. Montwood will race at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday.

6. El Paso High: The Tigers drop two spots after a fifth-place finish at Canutillo. El Paso’s top finisher was senior Andrea Castillo who was 19th in 24:16.08. The Tigers are scheduled to race at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday.

7. Chapin: The finished second at the Franklin Invitational Saturday at Mary Frances Keisling Park with 57 points. It had two runners in the top 10 – freshman Jocelynne Diaz Torres (eighth, 20:17.54) and sophomore Ava Dennis (20:20.06). The team will race at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday.

8. Hanks: The Knights dropped three spots after finishing third at the Franklin Invitational with 85 points. Junior Lizzy Aguirre had a top 10 finish, placing seventh in 20:16.80. Hanks will race at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday.

9. Socorro: The Bulldogs make its season debut. Socorro finished fourth at the Franklin Invitational with 110 points. Its top runner was sophomore Nadine Villasana was finished 21st in 22:34.53. The team will race at the Eastwood Twilight Invitational at Eastside Sports Complex on Friday.

10. Canutillo: The Eagles did race last week. They will ran at the Gadsden ISD Invitational on Saturday.

Dropped out: Eastlake.

On the brink: Coronado.

Hanks’ Lizzy Aguirre and Chapin’s Jocelynne Diaz Torres battled down the finish line at the Franklin Invitational.

Top Times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Emily Orr, Franklin, 18:09.69 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

2, Abigail Pinon, Franklin, 19:18.96 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

3, Sophia Keiser, Franklin, 19:25.90 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

4, Olivia Elder, Franklin, 19:47.03 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

5, Brooke McCune, Franklin, 19:59.47 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

6, Victoria Hoyt, Franklin, 20:08.10 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

7, Lizzy Aguirre, Hanks, 20:16.80 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

8, Jocelynne Diaz Torres, Chapin, 20:17.54 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

9, Ava Dennis, Chapin, 20:20.06 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

10, Breckyn Wiebe, Franklin, 20:20.70 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

11, Rebecca Duran, Chapin, 20:33.10 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

12, Hannah Martinez, Franklin, 20:38.89 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

13, Tessa Gibbons, Franklin, 20:50.15 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

14, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 20:56.28 (Canutillo Middle, 8/19).

15, Natalie Martinez, Eastlake, 21:00.97 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

16, Biviana Garcia, Chapin, 21:08.24 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

17, Sienna Zarate, Franklin, 21:10.02 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

18, Dayanara Gonzalez, Mt. View, 21:10.85 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

19, Ashlyn McMilian, Hanks, 21:15.06 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

20, Aubrey Arsenault, Pebble Hills, 21:22.46 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

21, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 21:24.18 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

22, Marielle Rubio, Eastlake, 21:47.80 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

23, Lileni Ayala, Mt. View, 21:56.04 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

24, Gisele Abascal, Americas, 22:22.40 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

25, Abigail Sanchez, Chapin, 22:25.78 (Mary Frances Keisling Park, 8/19).

This year is shaping up to be a great season of cross country.

Power Rankings

1, Emily Orr, Franklin, 20 (2).

2, Abigail Pinon, Franklin, 18.

3, Mia Hairston, Montwood, 16 (1).

4, Brooke McCune, Franklin, 14.

5, Sophia Keiser, Franklin, 13.

5, Lizzy Aguirre, Hanks, 13.

7, Olivia Elder, Franklin, 11.

8, Alexia Martinez, Fabens, 10 (1).

8, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 10 (1).

10, Nevaeh Escobedo, Canutillo, 9.

10, Cleo Naranjo, Americas, 9.

Layla Aguilar, Montwood, 8.

Dayanara Gonzalez, Mt. View, 8.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 8.

Ava Dennis, Chapin, 8.

Rebecca Duran, Chapin, 7.

Nadine Villasana, Socorro, 7.

Angel Quinonez, Fabens, 7.

Kareena Talavera, Pebble Hills, 7.  

Victoria Hoyt, Franklin, 7.

Kailee Fierro, Bel Air, 6.

Jacqueline Gonzalez, Horizon, 6.

Katia Rodriguez, Coronado, 5.

Lileni Ayala, Mt. View, 5.

Aubrey Arsenault, Pebble Hills, 5.  

Carolyna Noriega, Bel Air, 4.

Ashlyn McMillian, Hanks, 4.

Laila Morales, Americas, 4.

Sienna Zarate, Franklin, 3.

Kylee Pardo, San Elizario, 3.

Jocelynne Diaz Torres, Chapin, 3.

Valentina Tarriba, Socorro, 3.

Calista Sakellakos, El Paso, 3.

Sam Torres, Socorro, 2.

Sofia Speer, El Paso, 2.

Alexandra Ordaz, San Elizario, 2.

Hannah Martinez, Franklin, 1.

Amavely Carrasco, Coronado, 1.

Lily Arias, Hanks, 1.

Breckyn Wiebe, Franklin, 1.

Danika Sifuentes, Eastwood, 1.

Monday Cool Down: Eastwood juniors start season with wins

Eastwood junior Adelynn Rodriguez, far right, won the Canutillo Invitational to start her 2023 season. The two-time state qualifier is seeking a third trip.

Two Eastwood Troopers won individual championships at the Canutillo Invitational.

Junior Aidan Torres won his varsity crown while junior Adelynn Rodriguez won her fourth career varsity race at the flat 3.4-mile course at Canutillo Middle School.

“I felt really good; it’s a good way to start the season,” Rodriguez said. “We did a lot of work in the summer and I’m finally injury free. My main focus this summer was to take care of my body. I think you guys are in for a treat this year.”

Rodriguez easily won the race in 20:56.28, well ahead of the field.

Pebble Hills won the team event with 40 points followed by Americas with 46 and Eastwood with 52 points.

Rodriguez, who has made two state appearances, said she hopes to set a personal best this season and make it back to state. She ran a 17:20.1 three mile at Woodbridge her freshman year.

Despite her team’s third place finish, Rodriguez is confident in her team.

“We have a lot of new girls this season, but a lot of them ran with us last year and were very close to varsity,” he said. “We’re barely getting out of base phase and these girls are looking good so you guys should definitely be expecting something from us this year.”

Eastwood junior Aidan Torres won his varsity championship at the Canutillo Invitational.

What hardly anyone was expecting was a victory for Torres.

In a field loaded with some of the city’s top runners such as El Paso High’s Miles Westbrook, Americas’ Diego Romero and Coronado’s Edgar Valles, it was Torres who outlasted the field winning in 17:30.01, 12 seconds faster than Westbrook.

“We were really excited about starting the season,” said Torres who picked up cross country only two years ago. “We’ve been working hard morning and night during the summer, so for us to come out and do as well as we did, we’re really happy.”

A large smile emerged on his face when asked if he was surprised to pick up his first championship. 

“We all knew there was going to be some great competition, but we’ve been working really hard and we believed in ourselves; we knew we could get it done,” he said.

The Troopers won the team title as well with 37 points, El Paso was second with 71 points and Coronado was third with 96.

“We were a little down last year but we’re getting better and practicing harder,” he said. We know we could have done a lot better last year so that’s what’s motivating us this season. We’re going to do better.”

High School Boy’s Cross Country Poll: Week 1

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 boys race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

Franklin Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 19 at Mary Frances Keisling Park. Franklin, Chapin, Eastlake, Hanks, VVECHS, Tornillo, Bel Air, Ysleta, Socorro, Bowie, Andress, Parkland, Eastlake, Mt View, Harmony, Tornillo.

Canutillo ISD Invitational 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 19 at Canutillo Middle School. Canutillo, Burges, El Paso, Jefferson, Austin, Eastwood, El Dorado, Montwood, Da Vinci, Americas, Pebble Hills, Clint, Loretto, Riverside, Del Valle, San Eli, Horizon, YWLA, Cathedral Coronado, Irvin.

The season got off to a great start last week at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park.

Top 10

1. Franklin: The Cougars placed six runners in the top 10 to win the Pebble Hills Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park. Seniors Matthew Engle was second in 16:42.84 and Sebastian Gonzalez was third in 17:01.420. Seniors Adan Castillo was sixth (17:23.63) and Juan Leal was seventh (17:23.72). Senior Carlos Mendez was ninth (17:32.52) and sophomore Sebastian was 10th in 17:39.53.  Franklin will race in its own invitational Saturday at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

2. Eastwood: The Troopers did not race last week. Eastwood is scheduled to compete at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School on Saturday.

3. San Elizario: The Eagles did not race last week. San Elizario is scheduled to compete at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School.

4. El Paso High: The Tigers won the 2.7-mile Mt. View Invitational, placing five runners in the top seven, claiming the top four spots. Junior Miles Westbrook won in 15:42.46 followed by senior Leo Valenzuela (15:54.53), junior Ulysses O’Rourke (16:28.36) and junior Lorenzo Shields (17:00.21). Freshman Justin Ontiveros was seventh in 17:35.16. El Paso will be challenged at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School on Saturday.

5. Pebble Hills: The Spartans were second at its own invitational at Blackie Chesher Park with 82 points. Junior Jorge Soto was the lone top 10 runner, finishing eighth in 17:28.95. The team placed four runners in the top 20 – sophomore Zyler Garnica (17th, 18:22.61), junior Pablo Corral (18th, 18:33.065), freshman Adrian Cisneros Rodriguez (19th, 18:42.71) and senior Daniel Luna (20th, 18:52.07). Two of their top runners, senior Mark Barajas and junior Ameen Ibrahim, did not run. The team will race at the Canutillo Invitational on Saturday.

6. Coronado: The T-Birds took the top three spots to win the Irvin Invitational. Sophomore Humberto Serna was first in 14:21.91 followed by junior Max Sandhu (14:33.91) and sophomore Rodrigo Pinales (15:08.05). The course was 2.7 miles. Coronado’s top two runners, seniors Edgar Valles and Carlos Mendez, did not race. The team is scheduled to race at the Canutillo Invitational on Saturday.

7. Americas: The Trailblazers finished fourth at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park with 178 points. Its lone bright spot was junior Diego Romero who won the individual title in 16:42.66. It’s other two top runners, seniors Christian Hurtado and Jacob Corral, did not race. The team will compete at the Canutillo Invitational on Saturday.

8. Chapin: The Huskies finished third at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park with 109 points. Senior Seth Truax was fourth in 17:03.42. Chapin had three others in the top 20, senior Sean Sanchez (13th, 17:48.85) and junior Braulio Torres (14th, 17:49.00). The team will race the Franklin Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park on Saturday.

9. Hanks: The Knights did not run its top two runners at the Mt. View Invitational. Sophomore Zerach Hernandez, was the top finisher, completing the 2.7-mile course in 17:55.35, good for 11th place. The team will race at the Franklin Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park on Saturday.

10. Eastlake: The Falcons did not run its varsity at the Pebble Hills Invitational. They are scheduled to race the Franklin Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park on Saturday.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: Burges, Bel Air.

El Paso High junior Lorenzo Shields out kicks Burges senior Esteban Armendariz for fifth place at the Mt. View Invitational. Photo by Prep1.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Diego Romero, Americas, 16:42.66 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

2, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 16:42.84 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

3, Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 17:01.420 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

4, Seth Truax, Chapin, 17:03.42 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

5, Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 17:04.47 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

6, Adan Castillo, Franklin, 17:23.63 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

7, Juan Leal, Franklin, 17:23.72 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

8, Jorge Soto, Pebble Hills, 17:28.95 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

9, Carlos Mendez, Franklin, 17:32.52 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

10, Sebastian Mendez, Franklin, 17:39.53 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

11, Gabriel Uranga, Franklin, 17:39.55 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

12, Jacob Martinez, Franklin, 17:43.92 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

13, Sean Sanchez, Chapin, 17:48.85 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

14, Braulio Torres, Chapin, 17:49.00 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

15, Sebastian Camacho, Franklin, 17:49.89 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

16, Dauntae Herrera, Chapin, 18:13.715 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

17, Zyler Garnica, Pebble Hills, 18:22.61 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

18, Pablo Corral, Pebble Hills, 18:33.065 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

19, Adrian Cisneros Rodriguez, Pebble Hills, 18:42.71 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

20, Daniel Luna, Pebble Hills, 18:52.07 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

21, Daniel Flores, Eastlake, 18:58.40 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

22, Erick Gutierrez, Pebble Hills, 19:03.86 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

23, Diego Romero-Alvarado, Eastlake, 19:13.31 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

24, Emanuel Delgado, Tornillo, 19:15.21 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

25, Tristan Edwards, Pebble Hills, 19:19.95 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

Americas junior Diego Romero won the individual title at the Pebble Hills Invitational.

Power Rankings

1, Diego Romero, Americas, 10 (1).

1, Humberto Serna, Coronado, 10 (1).

1, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 10 (1).

4, Max Sandhu, Coronado, 9.

4, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 9.

4, Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 9.

7, Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 8.

7, Rodrigo Pinales, Coronado, 8.

7, Ulysses O’Rourke, El Paso, 8.

10, Seth Truax, Chapin, 7.

10, Leonardo Resendez, Bel Air, 7.

10, Lorenzo Shields, El Paso, 7.

Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 6.

Bradley Jacobo, Montwood, 6.

Esteban Armendariz, Burges, 6.

Adan Castillo, Franklin, 5.

Hernnan Duarte, Bel Air, 5.

Jesse Ortiz, Fabens, 5.

Juan Leal, Franklin, 4.

Evan Romero, Canutillo, 4.

Justin Ontiveros, El Paso, 4.

Jorge Soto, Pebble Hills, 3.

Yael Lira, Bel Air, 3.

Damian Espinosa, Del Valle, 3.

Carlos Mendez, Franklin, 2.

Jayden (Seth) Vargas, Montwood, 2.

Malin Arnoldussen, Burges, 2.

Sebastian Mendez, Franklin, 1.

Ivan Martinez, Socorro, 1.

Abraham Martinez, Horizon, 1.

High School Girl’s Cross Country Poll: Week 1

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

Franklin Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 19 at Mary Frances Keisling Park. Franklin, Chapin, Eastlake, Hanks, VVECHS, Tornillo, Bel Air, Ysleta, Socorro, Bowie, Andress, Parkland, Eastlake, Mt View, Harmony, Tornillo.

Canutillo ISD Invitational 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 19 at Canutillo Middle School. Canutillo, Burges, El Paso, Jefferson, Austin, Eastwood, El Dorado, Montwood, Da Vinci, Americas, Pebble Hills, Clint, Loretto, Riverside, Del Valle, San Eli, Horizon, YWLA, Cathedral Coronado, Irvin.

The Franklin girls won the Pebble Hills Invitational last week and will host its own meet on Saturday.

Top 10

1. Franklin: The Cougars opened the season placing eight runners in the top 10 at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park. Sophomore Emily Orr won the event in 19:46.23 followed by classmate Abigail Pinon (20:37.40). Senior Brooke McCune was third in 20:40.44, a trio of junior runners, Sophia Keiser was sixth in 21:00.97, Olivia Elder was seventh in 21:07.10 and Sienna Zarate was eighth in 21:10.02. Seniors Victoria Hoyt was ninth (21:15.21) and Hannah Martinez was tenth in 21:18.89. Franklin will race at its own event on Saturday at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

2. Eastwood: The Troopers did not race last week. Eastwood is scheduled to compete at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School.

3. Pebble Hills: The Spartans were third at their own invitational at Blackie Chesher Park with 89 points. Pebble Hills had three runners finish in the top 20 – sophomore Aubrey Arsenault (11th, 21:22.46), senior Carolina Zarrabal (12th, 21:24.18) and freshman Kareena Talavera (20th, 22:34.54).  Senior Natalie Franco did not race. The team will compete at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School on Saturday.

4. El Paso High: The Tigers did not run its top runners at the 2.7-mile Mt. View Invitational. It did have two runners, sophomore Calista Sakellako finish eighth in 21:47.21 and freshman Sofia Speer was ninth in 22:00.60. The Tigers are scheduled to race at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School.

5. Hanks: The Knights won the Mt. View Invitational placing three runners in the top 10. Junior Elizabeth Aguirre was second in 19:55.00, sophomore Ashlyn McMillian was seventh (21:33.58) and sophomore Lily Arias was 10th in 22:01.29. Hanks will race at the Franklin Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park on Saturday.

6. Montwood: The Rams did not race a full team at the Irvin Invitational but placed two runners in the top 3, including individual winner, sophomore Mia Hairston (18:19.84). Senior Layla Aguilar was third in 19:24.05. The course was 2.7 miles. The team is scheduled to race at the Canutillo Invitational on Saturday.

7. Chapin: The Huskies move up two spots after finishing second at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park with 80 points. Chapin placed two runners – junior Rebecca Duran (fourth, 20:45.50) and sophomore Ava Dennis (fifth, 20:58.27) – in the top 10.  Senior Biviana Garcia was 14th in 21:47.68. The team will race at the Franklin Invitational Saturday at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

8. Eastlake: The Falcons did not race. They are scheduled for the Franklin Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park on Saturday.

9. Americas: The Trailblazers finished fourth at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park with 106 points. Junior Giselle Abascal was the lone top 20 runner, finishing 18th in 22:22.40. The team will compete at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School on Saturday.

10. Canutillo: The Eagles did not race a full team at the Irvin Invitational. Sophomore Nevaeh Escobedo did manage a second-place finish (19:15.37) on the 2.7-mile course. They will race at their own invitational at Canutillo Middle School on Saturday.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: Socorro.

Franklin sophomore Emily Orr won the individual title at the Pebble Hills Invitational.

Top Times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Emily Orr, Franklin, 19:46.23 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

2, Abigail Pinon, Franklin, 20:37.40 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

3, Brooke McCune, Franklin, 20:40.44 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

4, Rebecca Duran, Chapin, 20:45.50 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

5, Ava Dennis, Chapin, 20:58.27 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

6, Sophia Keiser, Franklin, 21:00.97 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

7, Olivia Elder, Franklin, 21:07.10 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

8, Sienna Zarate, Franklin, 21:10.02 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

9, Victoria Hoyt, Franklin, 21:15.21 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

10, Hannah Martinez, Franklin, 21:18.89 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

11, Aubrey Arsenault, Pebble Hills, 21:22.46 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

12, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 21:24.18 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

13, Breckon Wiebe, Franklin, 21:26.31 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

14, Biviana Garcia, Chapin, 21:47.68 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

15, Jocelynne Diaz Torre, Chapin, 21:59.89 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

16, Tessa Gibbons, Franklin, 22:07.25 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

17, Marielle Rubio, Eastlake, 22:19.50 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

18, Gisele Abascal, Americas, 22:22.40 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

19, Natalia Martinez, Eastlake, 22:28.78 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

20, Kareena Talavera, Pebble Hills, 22:34.54 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

21, Laila Morales, Americas, 22:43.95 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

22, Carli Day, Americas, 23:03.42 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

23, Nevea Ruvalcaba, Americas, 23:04.01 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

24, Haelee Enriquez, Pebble Hills, 23:10.24 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

25, Sophia Santivanez, Pebble Hills, 23:17.62 (Blackie Chesher, 8/11).

Montwood sophomore Mia Harrison won the 2.7-mile Irvin Invitational in 18:19.84.

Power Rankings

1, Emily Orr, Franklin, 10 (1).

1, Mia Hairston, Montwood, 10 (1).

1, Alexia Martinez, Fabens, 10 (1).

4, Abigail Pinon, Franklin, 9.

4, Nevaeh Escobedo, Canutillo, 9.

4, Elizabeth Aguirre, Hanks, 9.

7, Brooke McCune, Franklin, 8.

7, Layla Aguilar. Montwood, 8.

7, Dayanara Gonzalez, Mt. View, 8.

10, Rebecca Duran, Chapin, 7.

10, Nadine Villasana, Socorro, 7.

10, Angel Quinonez, Fabens, 7.

Ava Dennis, Chapin, 6.

Kailee Fierro, Bel Air, 6.

Jacqueline Gonzalez, Horizon, 6.

Sophia Keiser, Franklin, 5.

Katia Rodriguez, Coronado, 5.

Lileni Ayala, Mt. View, 5.

Olivia Elder, Franklin, 4.

Carolyna Noriega, Bel Air, 4.

Ashlyn McMillian, Hanks, 4.

Sienna Zarate, Franklin, 3.

Valentina Tarriba, Socorro, 3.

Calista Sakellakos, El Paso, 3.

Victoria Hoyt, Franklin, 2.

Sam Torres, Socorro, 2.

Sofia Speer, El Paso, 2.

Hannah Martinez, Franklin, 1.

Amavely Carrasco, Coronado, 1.

Lily Arias, Hanks, 1.

High School Boy’s XC Preseason Poll 2023

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 boys race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

El Paso High returns it’s top runners, including junior Miles Westbrook and senior Leo Valenzuela. Watch for the Tigers to compete for a spot to the Class 5A state championship.

This week’s schedule

SISD Invitational: 8 a.m., Friday, Aug. 11at Blackie Chesher Park. Eastlake, VVECHS, Jefferson, Chapin, Bowie, Austin, Franklin, Americas, Cathedral, Eastwood, Parkland, Socorro, El Dorado, Pebble Hills, Tornillo, Anthony, Coronado.

Irvin Invite: 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug 12 at Skyline Park. Irvin, Andress, Fabens, Ysleta, YWLA, Montwood, Bel Air, Canutillo, Harmony.

Mt View Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug 12 at Mt. View High School. Clint, Mt View, El Paso, Burges, Fabens, Hanks, Horizon, Riverside, Del Valle, Fabens.

Senior Matthew Engle will be the top runner for Franklin, the preseason No. 1. boys team.

Top 10

1. Franklin: The Cougars had a breakout season last year, advancing to the Class 6A State Championship for the first time and placed seventh. Franklin also won its first district crown and finished fourth at the Region 1-6A championship. Senior Matthew Engle will be the top runner. Seniors Adan Castillo, Sebastián Gonzalez and Juan Leal could propel Franklin back to state.

2. Eastwood: The Troopers look to improve after placing second in district and eighth at regionals last year. Eastwood has a solid pack of four lead by senior Sulliman Rodriguez and juniors Danny Torres, Leo Espino and Luke Cruz.

3. San Elizario: New season, new coach, new runners, same goal. The Eagles picked up another Class 4A state medal last year, finishing third. Long-time assistant Jorge Maese is now the head coach as Cesar Morales has moved on to be athletic director at San Elizario. Seniors Julian Guerra, Angel Maese and Gustavo Salazar are the top three runners and will be heavily depended on to return to state.

4. El Paso High: The Tigers won the District 1-5A Championship and placed eighth at regionals last year.  Junior Miles Westbrook and senior Leo Valenzuela, who advanced to the Class 5A State Championship, will lead this talented team. Senior Aydan Lugo and juniors Ulysses O’Rourke and Lorenzo Shields could challenge for a top four regional finish and a trip to state.

5. Pebble Hills: The Spartans will be led by senior Mark Barajas and juniors Jorge Soto, Ameen Ibrahim and Pablo Corral. Look for sophomore Zyler Garnica and senior Daniel Luna to gobble up points.

6. Coronado: The T-Birds return four runners from its regional team. Seniors Edgar Valles and Carlos Mendez will do the heavy lifting for Coronado with junior Max Sandhu trying to improve on last year.

7. Americas: Look for the Trailblazers to contend for a spot to regionals with the return of junior Diego Romero and seniors Christian Hurtado and Jacob Corral. Americas will need to find some depth in order for that to happen.

8. Chapin: The Huskies have three returning runners from the regional qualifying team of last year – seniors Seth Truax and Dauntae Herrera and junior Braulio Torres. Depth could be an issue for Chapin.

9. Hanks: The Knights lost its top two runners but have some talent returning. The top runners will be senior Abel Nevajas, junior Saul Mares, sophomore Darian Hernandez, senior Diego Rodriguez and Zerach Hernandez, a sophomore.

10. Eastlake: The Falcons have four runners returning — seniors Jarrell Kearney, Julian Quinonez and Diego Mota and junior Sebastian Garces. Watch for newcomer sophomore Diego Romero to also contribute.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: None.

High School Girls XC Preseason Poll 2023

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.

The 2023 cross country season begins this weekend with the SISD Invitational on Friday at Blackie Chesher Park, the Irvin Invitational at Skyline Park on Saturday and the Mt View Invitational at 8 a.m. Saturday.

This week’s schedule

SISD Invitational: 8 a.m., Friday, Aug. 11at Blackie Chesher Park. Eastlake, VVECHS, Jefferson, Chapin, Bowie, Austin, Franklin, Americas, Cathedral, Eastwood, Parkland, Socorro, El Dorado, Pebble Hills, Tornillo, Anthony, Coronado.

Irvin Invite: 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug 12 at Skyline Park. Irvin, Andress, Fabens, Ysleta, YWLA, Montwood, Bel Air, Canutillo, Harmony.

Mt View Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug 12 at Mt. View High School. Clint, Mt View, El Paso, Burges, Fabens, Hanks, Horizon, Riverside, Del Valle, Fabens.

Sophomore Emily Orr, left, will lead this year’s Franklin Cougars, the El Paso Running pre-season No. 1.

Top 10

1. Franklin: The Cougars are primed and ready to contend for a spot on the podium at the UIL State Championship in November. Franklin is coming off its fifth straight District 1-6A title, finishing third in the  Region 1-6A championship and seventh at state. The girls are looking for its fourth trip to state in five years. Sophomores Emily Orr and Abigail Pinon will be the top runners along with junior Sophia Keiser and seniors Victoria Hoyt and Brooke McCune.

2. Eastwood: The Troopers finished second in District 1-6A and ninth at the Region 1-6A Championship. Eastwood will be led by junior Adelynn Rodriguez who won the district title, was 12th at regionals and 43rd at state. Juniors Paulina Estrada and Karraisa Duarte along with sophomore Maddie Estrada will also be heavily counted on.

3. Pebble Hills: The Spartans placed third at the District 1-6A Championship and for the first time in school history, advanced to regionals where the team finished 18th.  Seniors Carolina Zarrabal and Natalie Franco and sophomore Aubrey Arsenault will lead the team this year. Look for big things from this group with a return to regionals firmly in its grasp.

4. El Paso High: The Tigers won the District 1-5A Championship and were the top El Paso team at regionals, placing ninth. El Paso High will be led by seniors Andrea Castillo and Sofia Ramirez and sophomore Clarissa Castillo.

5. Hanks: The Knights won the District 2-5A Championship, placing five runners in the top 10, and finished 17th at regionals. The Knights are led by senior Destinee Loeza, junior Elizabeth Aguirre and sophomores Lily Arias, Alina Levario and Jessica Fino. Watch for newcomer Ashlynn McMilan, a sophomore who was a 365 last year. This could be a special year for the Knights.

6. Montwood: The Rams placed fourth at the District 1-6A Championship. Sophomore Mia Hairston, who advanced to regionals last year, is the top runner. Seniors Layla Aguilar and Paula Galaz Carreon will also contribute.

7. Eastlake: The Falcons finished sixth at the District 1-6A Championship. Its top runner is sophomore Chloe Del Real. Senior Natalie Martinez and junior Olivia Belmonte are two other returning runners. Sophomore Marielle Rubio will also be a valuable contributor.

8. Americas: Senior Cleo Naranjo, a newcomer to the team, will be the top runner with juniors Lexee Salas, Giselle Abascal and Laila Morales providing support. Watch for the Trailblazers to challenge for a spot to regionals.

9. Chapin: The Huskies finished third at the District 1-5A Championship, earning them a berth to the Region 1-5A Championship. Junior Rebecca Duran will lead the team this year along with seniors Ava Maldonado and Biviana Garcia.

10. Canutillo: The Eagles finished second at the District 1-5A Championship and 16th at regionals. The Eagles top runner is sophomore Nevaeh Escobedo.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: None.