Day: August 9, 2023

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.