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
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.
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.
El Paso Running 