El Paso boys cross country – El Paso Running

Region 1 qualifiers seek state berths in Lubbock (boys)

What: Region 1 Cross Country Championship.

When: Monday, Oct – 24. 4A Girls, 8 a.m.; 4A Boys, 8:30 a.m.; 6A Girls, 9:30 a.m.; 6A Boys, 10:10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 25 – 3A Girls, 8 a.m.; 3A Boys, 8:30 a.m.; 5A Girls, 9:30 a.m.; 5A Boys, 10:10 a.m.

Where: Mae Simmons Park, MLK Blvd. and 24th Street in Lubbock.

At Stake: Top four teams and top 10 individuals not on a qualifying team advance to the UIL Cross Country State Championship, Saturday Nov. 2 and 3 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

Franklin won its first district championship.

The Franklin boys, who won the District 1-6A for the first time in school history, are looking to create more milestones Monday at the Region 1-6A Championship.

The Cougars, who did not qualify for regionals last season, won the district scoring 27 points at the Horizon Golf Course.

Franklin placed all five scoring runners in the top eight.

Senior Diego Flores was third in 16:09.25 followed by junior Matthew Engle (fourth, 16:22.82), senior Denovan Estrada (fifth, 16:30.64), junior Juan Leal (seventh, 16:55.61) and junior Sebastian Gonzalez (eighth, 16:56.36).

Eastwood, which earned a silver medal last year, is seeking its ninth straight trip to state – its tenth in 11 years.

The Troopers finished second at the District 1-6A Championship, scoring 58 points. The team had three runners in the top 10 – senior Anthony Casillas (sixth, 16:48.92), junior Alex Flores (ninth, 17:01.53) and senior Matthew Marshall (tenth, 17:03.57).

Pebble Hills senior Omer Ibrahim won the individual title in 15:53.81 and is looking to advance to his second appearance at state. He finished third at last year’s regionals.

Coronado will be third representative out of District 1-6A. Senior Luis Pastor was district runner-up, finishing in 16:03.92. He too qualified for state last year, finishing the regional course in fifth in 15:47.0.

District 1-5A

The Tigers won the District 1-5A Championship at Mary Keisling Park with 21 points and advanced to its second straight regionals championship. The team was 15^th in the region in Class 5A last year.

At district, El Paso had four runners in the top 10 including the top two who set personal best times. Sophomore Miles Westbrook won the event in 16:21.57 and junior Leo Valenzuela was second in 16:32.94. Junior Aydan Lugo was fifth in 17:20.61 and sophomore Lorenzo Shields was seventh in 17:26.48.

Also advancing are Canutillo and Chapin.

The Eagles finished second at the District 1-5A with 60 points. Canutillo had two runners – senior Esteban Aguilera (sixth, 17:21.25) and junior Omar Rivera (eighth, 17:36.08) – in the top 10.

Chapin had two runners in the top 10 – sophomore Braulio Torres (fourth, 16:38.09) and Sean Sanchez (ninth, 17:54.09).

Burges senior Matthew Guerra was third in 16:37.78 and Jefferson junior Francisco Reyes was tenth in 17:58.24 and advance to regionals.

District 2-5A

The Bel Air Highlanders won the District 2-5A Championship at Horizon Golf Course with 52 points.

Bel Air had three runners in the top seven including junior Leonardo Resendez (fourth, 18:24.96), junior Hernnan Duarte (sixth, 18:50.23) and senior William Potter (seventh, 19:01.40). Bel Air will compete at the Region 1-5A Championship Tuesday in Lubbock.

Del Valle was second with 61 points and Hanks third with 62 points and will also advance.

Del Valle had two runners in the top 10 – Cesar Ruiz (fifth, 18:43.81) and Damian Espinoza (ninth, 19:17.76), as did Hanks – Alejandro Tarin (third, 18:00.50) and Angel Gomez (eighth, 19:01.55).

Tarin, a senior, finished 16th in 16:29.1 at last year’s regionals and advanced to state.

Parkland’s Michael Castorena won the individual title in 17:19.53 and teammate Efren Moncada was second in 17:30.82 and advance to regionals as will Ysleta’s Owen Rubio was tenth in 19:20.77.

District 1-4A

Riverside won the District 1-4A Championship with 32 points, followed closely by Austin (36). Bowie finished third with 87 points and advanced to regionals.

The Rangers had four runners in the top 10 – Kevin Perez (third, 19:09.80), Pablo Fuentes (fourth, 19:39.78), Angel Navarrete (fifth, 19:57.84) and Adam Valdiviezo (ninth, 20:09.43).

Austin also had four runners in the top 10 – Nathaniel Delgado (second, 18:37.04), Pedro Jimenez (sixth, 20:01.80), Eirik Arredondo (seventh, 20:06.95) and Jeremiah Loustaunau (eighth, 20:08.43).

Bowie’s Cesar Duran was tenth in 20:20.06.

Harmony Science’s Jesus Herrera won the individual crown in 17:31.09.

District 2-4A

San Elizario won the District 2-4A title at the Horizon Golf Course with 15 points.

Eagle runners took seven of the top 8 spots lead by senior Chris Moreno who won the event in 17:20.92. Junior Julian Guerra was second in 17:34.21 followed by junior Angel Maese (fourth, 17:44.02), junior Gustavo Salazar (fifth, 18:18.71), senior Emilio Solano (sixth, 18:43.92), senior Matthew Maese (seventh, 18:49.81) and Luis Marquez (eighth, 19:01.29).

Moreno is looking to defend his Region 1-4A championship. He won last year in overwhelming fashion, racing to a 14-second margin of victory, finishing the course in 15:40.9.

San Elizario finished second as a team.

The Eagles are hoping to make its ninth straight trip to state.

Fabens and Valle Verde Early College also advanced. Early College runner Marin Maldanado was tenth in 19:04.83.

Mt. View’s Edward Robledo-Gonzales was third in 17:41.67 and Fabens’ Rafael Gomez was ninth in 19:03.25 and advance to regionals.

Tornillo’s Angel Torres looks to return to state.

District 4-3A

Tornillo finished second at the District 4-3A Championship behind Presidio.

Senior Angel Torres won the individual title in 16:50 and junior Daniel Romero was second in 17:21.

The team is looking to return to state after not qualifying last year. It was the first time in nine years the team failed to do so.

However, junior Daniel Romero and senior Angel Torres reached qualifying times to advance.

Romero was third in 16:48.0 and Torres 14th in 18:14.1.

High School Boys Cross Country Poll: Week 9

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

Region 1 Championship: Monday, Oct. 24 at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock. 4A Girls, 8 a.m.; 4A Boys, 8:30 a.m.; 6A Girls, 9:30 a.m.; 6A Boys, 10:10 a.m.

Region 1 Championship: Tuesday, Oct. 25 at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock. 3A Girls, 8 a.m.; 3A Boys, 8:30 a.m.; 5A Girls, 9:30 a.m.; 5A Boys, 10:10 a.m.

San Elizario won its ninth straight district championship.

Top 10

1. Franklin: The Cougars won its first ever District 1-6A Championship scoring 27 points at the Horizon Golf Course. Franklin placed all five scoring runners in the top eight. Senior Diego Flores was third in 16:09.25 followed by junior Matthew Engle (fourth, 16:22.82), senior Denovan Estrada (fifth, 16:30.64), junior Juan Leal (seventh, 16:55.61) and junior Sebastian Gonzalez (eighth, 16:56.36). The team will race at the Region 1-6A Championship Monday in Lubbock.

2. Eastwood: The Troopers finished second at the District 1-6A Championship, scoring 58 points. The team had three runners in the top 10 – senior Anthony Casillas (sixth, 16:48.92), junior Alex Flores (ninth, 17:01.53) and senior Matthew Marshall (tenth, 17:03.57). Eastwood will race at the Region 1-6A Championship Monday in Lubbock.

3. Coronado: The T-Birds finished third at the District 1-6A Championship with 62 points and will advance to regionals. Senior Luis Pastor was second overall in 16:03.92. Junior Carlos Mendez was 13^th in 17:09.66 and senior Sam Breceda was 14^th in 17:11.96. Coronado will race at the Region 1-6A Championship Monday in Lubbock.

4. San Elizario: The Eagles move up one after winning the District 2-4A title at the Horizon Golf Course with 15 points. San Elizario took seven of the top 8 spots lead by senior Chris Moreno who won the event in 17:20.92. Junior Julian Guerra was second in 17:34.21 followed by junior Angel Maese (fourth, 17:44.02), junior Gustavo Salazar (fifth, 18:18.71), senior Emilio Solano (sixth, 18:43.92), senior Matthew Maese (seventh, 18:49.81) and Luis Marquez (eighth, 19:01.29). San Elizario will race at the Region 1-4A Championship Monday in Lubbock.

5. El Paso High: The Tigers move up one after winning the District 1-5A Championship at Mary Keisling Park with 21 points. El Paso had four runners in the top 10 including the top two who set personal best times. Sophomore Miles Westbrook won the event in 16:21.57 and junior Leo Valenzuela was second in 16:32.94. Junior Aydan Lugo was fifth in 17:20.61 and sophomore Lorenzo Shields was seventh in 17:26.48. El Paso will compete at the Region 1-5A Championship Tuesday in Lubbock.

6. Pebble Hills: Pebble Hills drops two spots after finishing fourth at the District 1-6A Championship. Senior Omer Ibrahim won the individual title in 15:53.81 and will advance to regionals.

7. Tornillo: Tornillo finished second at the District 4-3A Championship. Senior Angel Torres won the individual title in 16:50 and junior Daniel Romero was second in 17:21. The Coyotes will race at the Region 1-3A Championship Monday in Lubbock.

8. Americas: The Trailblazers finished fifth in the District 1-6A Championship at Horizon Golf Course. Its top runner was senior Jacob Martinez who finished 21^st in 17:40.40.

9. Bel Air: The Highlanders move up one after winning the District 2-5A Championship at Horizon Golf Course with 52 points. Bel Air had three runners in the top seven including junior Leonardo Resendez (fourth, 18:24.96), junior Hernnan Duarte (sixth, 18:50.23) and senior William Potter (seventh, 19:01.40). Bel Air will compete at the Region 1-5A Championship Tuesday in Lubbock.

10. Canutillo: The Eagles finished second at the District 1-5A Championship at Mary Keisling Park with 60 points. Canutillo had two runners – senior Esteban Aguilera (sixth, 17:21.25) and junior Omar Rivera (eighth, 17:36.08) – in the top 10. The Eagles will race at the Region 1-5A Championship Tuesday in Lubbock

Dropped out: Chapin.

On the brink: Riverside.

Parkland senior Michael Castorena has been one of the city’s top runners this season.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 15:09.9 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

2, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 15:22.10 (Old Settlers Park, 9/24).

3, Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 15:23.7 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

4, Diego Flores, Franklin, 15:26.04 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

5, Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 15:29.44 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

6, Leo Espino, Eastwood, 15:30.9 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

7, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 15:32.31 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

8, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 15:33.4 (Nike South, 10/1).

9, Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 15:37.8 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

10, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 15:39.55 (Tornillo, 9/9).

11, Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 15:40.7 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

12, Danny Torres, Eastwood, 15:45.9 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

13, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:46.25 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

14, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 15:46.7 (May Simmons Park, 9/17).

15, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 15:52.10 (Old Settlers Park, 9/24).

16, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 16:10.41 (Mary Keisling Park, 9/17).

17, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 16:12.82 (Tornillo, 9/9).

18, Sulliman Rodriguez, Eastwood, 16:14.9(Woodbridge, 9/16).

19, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 16:21.57 (Mary Keisling Park, 10/14).

20, Juan Leal, Franklin, 16:22.38 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

21, Braulio Torres, Chapin, 16:23.31 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

22, Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 16:28.95 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

23, Adrian Chavez, Eastwood, 16:32.8(Woodbridge, 9/16).

24, Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 16:32.94 (Mary Keisling Park, 10/14).

25, Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 16:33.63 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

Bel Air junior Leonardo Resendez has helped the Highlanders late-season surge.

Power Rankings

1, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 70 (1).

2, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 68 (4).

3, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 54 (4).

4, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 53 (3).

5, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 47 (2).

6, Michael Castorena, Parkland, 46 (2).

7, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 39 (1).

7, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 39.

9, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 38.

10, Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 37.

Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 34 (2).

Diego Flores, Franklin, 33.

Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 33.

Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 32.

Braulio Torres, Chapin, 32.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 25.

Matthew Guerra, Burges, 25.

Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 24.

Edward Robledo-Gonzales, Mt. View, 24.

Efren Moncada, Parkland, 23.

Preston Eastman, Coronado, 22.

Ulysses O’Rourke, El Paso, 26.

Ayden Lugo, El Paso, 25.

Leonardo Resendez, Bel Air, 20.

Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 17 (1).

Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 17.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 16.

Jesus Herrera, Harmony Science, 15 (1).

Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 14.

Esteban Aguilera, Canutillo, 13.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 12.

Angel Maese, San Elizario, 12.

Juan Leal, Franklin, 11.

Lorenzo Shields, El Paso, 11.

William Potter, Bel Air, 11.

Oscar Guzman, Franklin, 10.

Leo Espino, Eastwood, 9.

Max Sandhu, Coronado, 9.

Carlos Mendez, Coronado, 9.

Ethan Fontaine, Franklin, 9.

Nathaniel Delgado-Rodriguez, Austin, 9.

Kevin Perez, Riverside, 8.

Jacob Noble, Cathedral, 8.

Elijah Noble, Cathedral, 7.

Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 7.

Pablo Fuentes, Riverside, 7.

Diego Romero, Americas, 6.

Cesar Ruiz, Del Valle, 6.

Angel Navarrete, Riverside, 6.

Gustavo Salazar, San Elizario, 6.

Andrew Hernandez, El Paso, 5.

Aidan Danny Torres, Eastwood, 5.

Julian Miramontes, Eastwood, 5.

Sean Sanchez, Chapin, 5.

Hernnan Duarte, Bel Air, 5.

Emilio Solano, San Elizario, 5.

Pedro Jimenez, Austin, 5.

Zachary Rivas, Pebble Hills, 4.

Sam Flores, Coronado, 4.

Joaquin Moya, El Paso, 4.

Eirik Arredondo, Austin, 4.

Matthew Maese, San Elizario, 4.

Adam Ramirez, Montwood, 3.

Sam Breceda, Coronado, 3.

Austen Percifull, Franklin, 3.

Robert Dickerson, Pebble Hills, 3.

Omar Rivera, Canutillo, 3.

Angel Gomez, Hanks, 3

Francisco Reyes, Jefferson 3.

Jeremiah Loustaunau, Austin, 3.

Luis Marquez, San Elizario, 3.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 2.

Aidan Hernandez, Eastlake, 2.

Lorenzo Shields, Coronado, 2.

Gabriel Uranga, Franklin, 2.

Damian Espinoza, Del Valle, 2.

Dauntae Herrera, Chapin, 2.

Adam Valdiviezo, Riverside, 2.

Rafael Gomez, Fabens, 2.

Micha Lay, Pebble Hills, 1.

Sulliman Rodriguez, Eastwood, 1.

Isaac Ortega, Jefferson, 1.

Renee Galaviz, Socorro, 1.

Owen Rubio, Ysleta, 1.

Cesar Duran, Bowie, 1.

Marin Maldanado, Valle Verde Early College, 1.

Monday Cooldown: El Paso High boys building for the future

The El Paso High boys are lead by sophomore Miles Westbrook along with junior Leo Valenzuela and sophomore Ulysses O’Rourke.

The El Paso High Tigers boys cross country team have quietly been building.

Almost every day during the summer, they would run, pacing themselves for the start of what could be a special next two years.

“Everyone actually started to try more and got at least two minutes faster,” said Miles Westbrook, who has won two individual titles this season, including the Class 5A District Preview at Horizon Golf Course. “We’re a really young team, we’re a bunch of freshman and sophomores who hopefully can run together through state next year.”

Westbrook, a sophomore, leads El Paso High along with fellow sophomores Ulysses O’Rourke and Lorenzo Shields. Juniors Aydan Lugo and Leo Valenzuela make up the core of the team.

“Track season helped a lot,” Westbrook said. “We developed a lot of speed from running track. After COVID, a lot of us hadn’t run in a while. Track season helped us build back that speed and then over the summer we built up our aerobic capacity and we were able to mix it together to be able to run fast during cross country.”

Westbrook is happy with his personal growth.

“I dropped 2 minutes off my 5K time but I’m also getting ready for track, hoping to go 4:35 or somewhere near that in the mile,” he said.

But he is more interested in helping the Tigers get to state.

“We’re building up for next year and the year after that,” he said. “A lot of us are young and we’re still growing and getting stronger. We going to be super good next year and our senior year when everyone is older and as fast as we can be.”

As for this season, he is hoping for a strong regional performance and, if not as a team, send two or three runners to state.

“Ulysses and Leo have had a strong season,” he said. “We’ve been running together every day, making sure we stay together.”

High School Boys Cross Country Poll: Week 7

Every Thursday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top boy’s cross country runners.

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

Desert Twilight Invitational: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30 at the Coyote Run Golf Course, Mesa, Arizona. Franklin, Del Valle, Socorro, Tornillo, San Eli, Eastwood.

Coronado Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1. at Don Haskins Park. Coronado, Irvin, Andress, Chapin, Socorro, El Dorado, Anthony, Ysleta boys, Cathedral, Loretto, Bowie.

Clint/Fabens Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1 at Fabens High School. Clint, Fabens, Radford, Montwood, Ysleta girls, YWLA, Ft. Hancock, Riverside, Hanks, Chapin, El Paso High.

Nike South: 7 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1 at The Woodlands. Del Valle, Pebble Hills, Montwood, Americas, Eastlake.

Mayfield Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 1. Austin, Jefferson, Burges.

San Elizario runners Chris Moreno and Julian Guerra set season best times at Old Settler’s Park.

Top 10

1. Franklin: The Cougars won the Class 6A District Preview at Horizon Golf Course with 29 points, placing six runners in the top 10. Matthew Engle paced Franklin, finishing second in 16:27.96 followed by Denovan Estrada (third, 16:37.82), Sebastian Gonzalez (seventh, 17:16.63), Ethan Fontaine (eighth, 17:17.04), Diego Flores (ninth, 17:17.10) and Oscar Guzman (tenth, 17:22.66). The team will travel to Mesa, Arizona to compete in the Desert Twilight Invitational.

2. Eastwood: The Troopers did not race this weekend. The team will compete at the Desert Twilight Invitational in Mesa, Arizona on Friday night.

3. Coronado: The T-Birds finished second at the Class 6A District Preview at Horizon Golf Course five points behind Franklin. Coronado had three runners in the top 10 including Luis Pastor who won his fourth race of the season. He finished in 16:03.09. Edgar Valles was fourth in 16:50.92 and Carlos Mendez was sixth in 17:08.56. The team will race at its own invitational on Saturday at Don Haskins Park.

4. Pebble Hills: The Spartans did not run its varsity on Saturday. The team will race at Nike South in The Woodlands on Saturday morning.

5. San Elizario: The Eagles raced two of its boys in the Silver Division of the McNeil Invitational in Round Rock. Chris Moreno won the event in a season best 15:22.10. Julian Guerra also had a season best, finishing tenth in 15:52.10. The race was at the state course at Old Settlers Park. The team will compete at the Desert Twilight Invitational in Mesa, Arizona on Friday night.

6. El Paso High: The Tigers easily won the Class 5A District Preview at Horizon Golf Course with 21 points. El Paso High had all five scoring runners finish in the top 7. Miles Westbrook won the 2.7 mile race in 15:14.29 followed by Leo Valenzuela (second, 15:22.91), Ulysses O’Rourke (fifth, 15:58.53), Aydan Lugo (sixth, 16:00.09) and Lorenzo Shields (seventh, 16:43.35).

7. Tornillo: Tornillo won the Riverside/Clint ISD Course Preview at Horizon Golf Course with 79 points. Angel Torres picked up the individual title in 16:25.30 and Daniel Romero was second in 17:14.55.

8. Americas: The Trailblazers finished third in Class 6A District Preview at Horizon Golf Course. Its top runner was Diego Romero who finished fifth in 17:04.65. The team is scheduled to race at Nike South in The Woodlands on Saturday morning.

9. Chapin: The Huskies finished second at the Class 5A District Preview at Horizon Golf Course. Two runners finished in the top 8 – Braulio Torres was fourth in 15:54.72 and Sean Sanchez was eighth in 16:51.50.

10. Bel Air: The Highlanders were second at the Riverside/Clint ISD Course Preview at Horizon Golf Course. William Potter was ninth in 18:24.71 and Leonardo Resendez was tenth in 18:44.33.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: Hanks, Parkland, Montwood.

The season is heading into its final stretch. Championship season begins Oct. 14.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 15:09.9 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

2, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 15:22.10 (Old Settlers Park, 9/24).

3, Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 15:23.7 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

4, Diego Flores, Franklin, 15:26.04 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

5, Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 15:29.44 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

6, Leo Espino, Eastwood, 15:30.9 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

7, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 15:32.31 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

8, Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 15:37.8 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

9, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 15:39.55 (Tornillo, 9/9).

10, Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 15:40.7 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

11, Danny Torres, Eastwood, 15:45.9 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

12, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:46.25 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

13, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 15:46.7 (May Simmons Park, 9/17).

14, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 15:52.10 (Old Settlers Park, 9/24).

15, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 15:56.70 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

16, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 16:10.41 (Mary Keisling Park, 9/17).

17, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 16:12.82 (Tornillo, 9/9).

18, Sulliman Rodriguez, Eastwood, 16:14.9(Woodbridge, 9/16).

19, Juan Leal, Franklin, 16:22.38 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

20, Braulio Torres, Chapin, 16:23.31 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

21, Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 16:28.95 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

22, Adrian Chavez, Eastwood, 16:32.8(Woodbridge, 9/16).

23, Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 16:33.63 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

24, Preston Eastman, Coronado, 16:35.47(Mary Keisling Park, 9/17).

25, Seth Truax, Chapin, 16:39.13 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

Efren Moncada has been a steady force all season for Parkland.

Power Rankings

1, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 61 (1).

2, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 59 (4).

3, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 44 (3).

4, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 43 (2).

5, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 39 (1).

6, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 37 (1).

7, Michael Castorena, Parkland, 36 (1).

8, Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 32.

9, Diego Flores, Franklin, 25.

10, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 24.

10, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 24 (1).

Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 22.

Preston Eastman, Coronado, 22.

Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 30.

Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 28.

Matthew Engle, Franklin, 26.

Ulysses O’Rourke, El Paso, 26.

Braulio Torres, Chapin, 25.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 19.

Ayden Lugo, El Paso, 19.

Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 17 (1).

Matthew Guerra, Burges, 17.

Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 17.

Edward Robledo-Gonzales, Mt. View, 16.

Efren Moncada, Parkland, 14.

Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 13.

Leonardo Resendez, Bel Air, 13.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 12.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 11.

Oscar Guzman, Franklin, 10.

Leo Espino, Eastwood, 9.

Max Sandhu, Coronado, 9.

Carlos Mendez, Coronado, 9.

Ethan Fontaine, Franklin, 9.

Esteban Aguilera, Canutillo, 8.

Jacob Noble, Cathedral, 8.

Elijah Noble, Cathedral, 7.

Juan Leal, Franklin, 7.

Lorenzo Shields, El Paso, 7.

Diego Romero, Americas, 6.

Angel Maese, San Elizario, 5.

Andrew Hernandez, El Paso, 5.

Aidan Danny Torres, Eastwood, 5.

Jesus Herrera, Harmony Science, 5.

Julian Miramontes, Eastwood, 5.

Zachary Rivas, Pebble Hills, 4.

Sam Flores, Coronado, 4.

Joaquin Moya, El Paso, 4.

Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 4.

Adam Ramirez, Montwood, 3.

Sam Breceda, Coronado, 3.

Austen Percifull, Franklin, 3.

Robert Dickerson, Pebble Hills, 3.

William Potter, Bel Air, 3.

Sean Sanchez, Chapin, 3.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 2.

Francisco Reyes, Jefferson 2.

Aidan Hernandez, Eastlake, 2.

Lorenzo Shields, Coronado, 2.

Gabriel Uranga, Franklin, 2.

Dauntae Herrera, Chapin, 2.

Micha Lay, Pebble Hills, 1.

Sulliman Rodriguez, Eastwood, 1.

Isaac Ortega, Jefferson, 1.

Renee Galaviz, Socorro, 1.

High School Boys Cross Country Poll: Week 6

Every Thursday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top boy’s cross country runners.

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

Clint ISD Course Preview: 8 a.m., Friday, Sept. 23 at Horizon Golf Course. Riverside, Bel Air, Ysleta, Del Valle, YWLA, Parkland, Hanks, San Elizario, Clint, Horizon, Mt. View, Anthony, Valle Verde, Fabens, Loretto, Radford, Canutillo, Tornillo.

EPISD/SISD Preview: 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 24 at Horizon Golf Course. Coronado, Irvin, Austin, Franklin, Burges, El Paso, Chapin, Bowie, Andress, Jefferson, Pebble Hills, Eastlake, Montwood, Socorro, Americas, El Dorado.

Coronado juniors Edgar Valles and Preston Eastman finished one-two at the El Paso High Invitational.

Top 10

1. Franklin: The Cougars varsity did not race last week but its open team placed four runners in the top 9 to win the Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park. Senior Oscar Guzman was second in 16:56.85, sophomore Ethan Fontaine was fifth in 17:16.48, senior Austen Percifull was eighth in 17:50.00 and junior Gabriel Uranga was ninth in 17:50.72. The team will race at the EPISD/SISD Preview Saturday at Horizon Golf Course.

2. Eastwood: The Troopers finished 24^th in the Sweepstakes Division of the Woodbridge Cross Country Classic in Irvine, Calif. Its top runner was Anthony Casillas who had a personal record of 15:09.9, the new top time in the city. The Sweepstakes Division is considered to the second toughest race in the country, behind NXN.

3. Coronado: The T-Birds finished second at the El Paso High Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park without its top runner Luis Pastor. Coronado had four runners in the top 8 including individual winner junior Edgar Valles (16:10.41). Junior Preston Eastman was second in 16:35.47, sophomore Max Sandhu was sixth in 17:23.85 and senior Sam Breceda was eighth in 17:54.35. The team will race at the EPISD/SISD Preview Saturday at Horizon Golf Course.

4. Pebble Hills: The Spartans finished fourth in the Class 6A division of the Lubbock Invitational at Mae Simmons Park. Senior Omer Ibrahim was sixth in 16:40.4 and senior Noah Castorena was 16^th in 17:38.0. Pebble Hills will race at the EPISD/SISD Preview Saturday at Horizon Golf Course.

5. San Elizario: They did not race last week. They will race Friday morning at the Clint Course Preview at Horizon Golf Course.

6. El Paso High: The Tigers won their own invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park with 28 points. El Paso had five runners in the top nine including sophomore Miles Westbrook (third, 17:08.75), junior Leo Valenzuela (fourth, 17:13.81), sophomore Ulysses O’Rourke (fifth, 17:22.87), junior Aydan Lugo (seventh, 17:32.34) and sophomore Lorenzo Shields (ninth, 18:03.08). The team will race at the EPISD/SISD Preview Saturday at Horizon Golf Course.

7. Tornillo: Tornillo finished second in the Class 3A division of the Lubbock Invitational at Mae Simmons Park. Junior Daniel Romero was second in 16:18.6 and senior Angel Torres was fourth in 17:05.2. They will race Friday morning at the Clint Course Preview at Horizon Golf Course.

8. Americas: The Trailblazers move up one after finishing sixth in the Class 6A division of the Lubbock Invitational at Mae Simmons Park. Its top runner was sophomore Diego Romero who was 19^th in 17:44.8. The team will race at the EPISD/SISD Preview Saturday at Horizon Golf Course.

9. Chapin: The Huskies move down one after placing seventh in the Class 5A division of the Lubbock Invitational at Mae Simmons Park. Its top runner was junior Seth Truax who was 14^th in 17:26.7. Chapin will race at the EPISD/SISD Preview Saturday at Horizon Golf Course.

10. Bel Air: The Highlanders did not run a full team at the Cathedral Invitational, but junior Leonardo Resendez was fourth in 17:15.74. They will race Friday morning at the Clint Course Preview at Horizon Golf Course.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: Hanks, Parkland, Montwood.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 15:09.9 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

2, Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 15:23.7 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

3, Diego Flores, Franklin, 15:26.04 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

4, Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 15:29.44 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

5, Leo Espino, Eastwood, 15:30.9 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

6, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 15:32.31 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

7, Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 15:37.8 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

8, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 15:39.55 (Tornillo, 9/9).

9, Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 15:40.7 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

10, Danny Torres, Eastwood, 15:45.9 (Woodbridge, 9/16).

11, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:46.25 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

12, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 15:46.7 (May Simmons Park, 9/17).

13, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 15:56.70 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

14, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 16:10.41 (Mary Keisling Park, 9/17).

15, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 16:12.82 (Tornillo, 9/9).

16, Sulliman Rodriguez, Eastwood, 16:14.9(Woodbridge, 9/16).

17, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 16:19.62 (Del Valle, 8/27).

18, Juan Leal, Franklin, 16:22.38 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

19, Braulio Torres, Chapin, 16:23.31 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

20, Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 16:28.95 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

21, Adrian Chavez, Eastwood, 16:32.8(Woodbridge, 9/16).

22, Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 16:33.63 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

23, Preston Eastman, Coronado, 16:35.47(Mary Keisling Park, 9/17).

24, Seth Truax, Chapin, 16:39.13 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

25, Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 16:40.10 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

Parkland’s Michael Castorena won the Cathedral Invitational.

Power Rankings

1, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 52 (1).

2, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 49 (4).

3, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 44 (3).

4, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 33 (1).

5, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 32 (1).

6, Michael Castorena, Parkland, 28 (1).

7, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 27.

8, Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 26.

9, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 24.

9, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 24 (1).

Diego Flores, Franklin, 23.

Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 22.

Preston Eastman, Coronado, 22.

Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 30.

Ulysses O’Rourke, El Paso, 20.

Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 19.

Braulio Torres, Chapin, 18.

Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 17 (1).

Matthew Engle, Franklin, 17.

Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 17.

Ayden Lugo, El Paso, 14.

Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 13.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 12.

Leonardo Resendez, Bel Air, 12.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 11.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 11.

Edward Robledo-Gonzales, Mt. View, 11.

Leo Espino, Eastwood, 9.

Matthew, Guerra, Burges, 9.

Max Sandhu, Coronado, 9.

Oscar Guzman, Franklin, 9.

Jacob Noble, Cathedral, 8.

Elijah Noble, Cathedral, 7.

Juan Leal, Franklin, 7.

Efren Moncada, Parkland, 7.

Ethan Fontaine, Franklin, 6.

Angel Maese, San Elizario, 5.

Andrew Hernandez, El Paso, 5.

Esteban Aguilera, Canutillo, 5.

Aidan Danny Torres, Eastwood, 5.

Julian Miramontes, Eastwood, 5.

Zachary Rivas, Pebble Hills, 4.

Sam Flores, Coronado, 4.

Joaquin Moya, El Paso, 4.

Carlos Mendez, Coronado, 4.

Lorenzo Shields, El Paso, 3.

Adam Ramirez, Montwood, 3.

Sam Breceda, Coronado, 3.

Austen Percifull, Franklin, 3.

Robert Dickerson, Pebble Hills, 3.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 2.

Francisco Reyes, Jefferson 2.

Aidan Hernandez, Eastlake, 2.

Lorenzo Shields, Coronado, 2.

Gabriel Uranga, Franklin, 2.

Micha Lay, Pebble Hills, 1.

William Potter, Bel Air, 1.

Sulliman Rodriguez, Eastwood, 1.

Renee Galaviz, Socorro, 1.

Jesus Herrera, Harmony Science, 1.

High School Boy’s Poll: Week 4

Every Thursday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top boy’s cross country runners.

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

Tornillo Invitational: 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 9 at Tornillo High School. Tornillo, Franklin, Burges, El Paso, Chapin, Eastlake, Americas, San Eli, Tornillo, Ft. Hancock, Eastwood, Chaparral, Santa Teresa.

Ysleta Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 10 at Shawver Park. Coronado, Austin, Jefferson, Pebble Hills, Eastlake, Socorro, Ysleta, Bel Air, Radford, YWLA, Anthony, Hanks, VVECH, Del Valle, Riverside, Cathedral, Santa Teresa, Bowie.

Franklin is ranked No. 6 in the Class 6A by the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas.

Top 10

1. Franklin: The Cougars move up to the top spot placing four runners in the top eight to win the Trooper Twilight Invitational at the Eastside Sports Complex. Senior Diego Flores was third in 16:24.05, junior Matthew Engle was fourth, (16:33.91), senior Denovan Estrada was seventh (16:41.21) and junior Juan Leal was eighth (16:47.00). The team is ranked No. 6 in Class 6A by the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas. The team will not race this weekend.

2. Eastwood: The Troopers finished second at its own invitational. Junior Alexander Flores was the low-point man finishing sixth in 16:40.30. Junior Leo Espino was 11^th in 16:55.90. Eastwood’s team average was 17:00.74. Eastwood is ranked No. 8 in Class 6A by the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas. The team will not race this weekend.

3. Coronado: The T-Birds finished third at the Trooper Twilight Invitational. Senior Luis Pastor won the individual title in 15:56.36. Junior Edgar Valles was 12^th in 16:57.51. The team’s average was 17:02.61. Coronado will race at the Ysleta Invitational Saturday at Shawver Park.

4. Pebble Hills: The Spartans won its own invitational at Blackie Chesher Park with 25 points. Senior Omer Ibrahim won the event in 15:56.70. Three other runners finished in the top 10 – senior Noah Castorena (third, 16:28.950, sophomore Ameen Ibrahim (fourth, 16:33.63) and junior Robert Dickerson (tenth, 17:18.06). The team average was 16:44.23. The Spartans will race at the Ysleta Invitational Saturday at Shawver Park.

5. San Elizario: The Eagles finished fourth at the Trooper Twilight with a team average of 17:53.85. San Elizario had two top 10 runners – senior Chris Moreno (fifth, 16:34.80) and junior Julian Guerra (tenth, 16:54.40). San Elizario is ranked No. 2 in Class 4A by the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas. The team will race at Tornillo Invitational on Friday night.

6. El Paso High: The Tigers were fourth at the Trooper Twilight with an average score of 18:10.04. Its top runner was sophomore Miles Westbrook (18^th, 17:20.37). El Paso will race at Tornillo Invitational on Friday night.

7. Tornillo: Tornillo moves up one after its sixth-place finish at the Trooper Twilight. The Coyotes had two runners in the top 9 – junior Daniel Romero (second, 16:20.50) and senior Angel Torres (ninth, 16:51.54). Tornillo cracked the Class 3A Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas poll, ranked No. 6. The team will race at its own invitational Friday night.

8. Chapin: The Huskies move up one after finishing second at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Blackie Chesher Park. Chapin had two runners in the top 5 – sophomore Braulio Torres was second in 16:23.31 and junior Seth Truax was fifth in 16:39.13. Chapin will race Friday night at Tornillo.

9. Americas: The Trailblazers move up one after finishing third at the Pebble Hills Invitational. Its top runner was sophomore Diego Romero (13^th, 17:28.57). Americas will race at the Tornillo Invitational on Friday night.

10. Cathedral: The Irish drop three spots after not fielding a full team at the Trooper Twilight.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: Parkland, Bel Air.

Eastwood’s Matthew Marshall and Anthony Casillas have two of the city’s fastest 25 times.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Diego Flores, Franklin, 15:26.04 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

2, Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 15:29.44 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

3, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 15:32.31 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

4, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:46.25 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

5, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 15:56.70 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

6, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 16:19.62 (Del Valle, 8/27).

7, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 16:19.98 (Del Valle, 8/27).

8, Juan Leal, Franklin, 16:22.38 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

9, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 16:22.89 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

10, Braulio Torres, Chapin, 16:23.31 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

11, Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 16:24.18 (Del Valle, 8/27).

12, Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 16:28.95 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

13, Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 16:33.63 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

14, Seth Truax, Chapin, 16:39.13 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

15, Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 16:40.10 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

16, Frank Lozano, Franklin, 16:41.37 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

17, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 16:44.41 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

18, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 16:45.80 (Clint, 8/13).

19, Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 16:50.51 (Del Valle, 8/27).

20, Jacob Noble, Cathedral, 16:51.73 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

21, Esteban Aguilera, Canutillo, 16:52.80 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

22, Elijah Noble, Cathedral, 16:52.88 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

23, Edward Robledo-Gonzales, Mt. View, 16:55.24 (Blackie Chesher, 9/2).

24, Austen Percifull, Franklin, 16:56.07 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

25, Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 16:56.74 (Del Valle, 8/27).

Mt. View’s Edward Robledo-Gonzales ran a season best 16:55.24 at Blackie Chesher Park last week.

Power Rankings

1, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 39 (3).

2, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 36 (3).

3, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 33.

4, Diego Flores, Franklin, 23.

5, Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 22.

6, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 21.

7, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 18 (1).

8, Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 17 (1).

8, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 17.

8, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 17.

8, Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 17.

Edgar Valles, Coronado, 14.

Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 13.

Michael Castorena, Parkland, 13.

Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 12.

Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 12.

Ulysses O’Rourke, El Paso, 12.

Braulio Torres, Chapin, 12.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 12.

Angel Torres, Tornillo, 12.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 11.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 11.

Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 10 (1).

Ayden Lugo, El Paso, 10.

Leo Espino, Eastwood, 9.

Edward Robledo-Gonzales, Mt. View, 8.

Jacob Noble, Cathedral, 8.

Elijah Noble, Cathedral, 7.

Juan Leal, Franklin, 7.

Preston Eastman, Coronado, 6.

Matthew, Guerra, Burges, 5.

Angel Maese, San Elizario, 5.

Andrew Hernandez, El Paso, 5.

Esteban Aguilera, Canutillo, 5.

Zachary Rivas, Pebble Hills, 4.

Sam Flores, Coronado, 4.

Leonardo Resendez, Bel Air, 4.

Joaquin Moya, El Paso, 4.

Lorenzo Shields, El Paso, 3.

Adam Ramirez, Montwood, 3.

Robert Dickerson, Pebble Hills, 3.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 2.

Francisco Reyes, Jefferson 2.

Aidan Hernandez, Eastlake, 2.

Micha Lay, Pebble Hills, 1.

Carlos Mendez, Coronado, 1.

William Potter, Bel Air, 1.

Efren Moncada, Parkland, 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.

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

Pebble Hills Invitational: 8 a.m., Friday, Sept. 2 at Blackie Chesher Park. Eastlake, Austin, Chapin, Pebble Hills, Montwood, Americas, Ysleta, YWLA, Bowie.

Trooper Twilight Invitational: 6 p.m., Friday, Sept. 2 at Eastside Sports Complex. Franklin, Coronado, Irvin, Burges, Jefferson, El Paso, Eastwood, Socorro, El Dorado, San Eli, Bel Air, Hanks, Riverside, Anthony, Ft Hancock, Cathedral, Loretto.

The Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle High School proved to be a challenging course.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers won the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle with 29 points. The Troopers had four in the top seven. Alex Flores was third in 16:24.18, Matthew Marshall was fifth in 16:50.51, Anthony Casillas was sixth in 16:56.74 and Leo Espino was seventh in 16:57.45. The team will race at its own invitational on Friday night at the Eastside Sports Complex.

2. Franklin: The Cougars were fourth at the Southlake Carroll Invitational. Franklin had three runners in the top 20 – senior Diego Flores (14^th, 15:26.04), senior Denovan Estrada (17^th, 15:29.44) and junior Matthew Engle (20^th, 15:32.31). There were 40 teams and 339 runners in the Elite Division. Franklin will race at the Trooper Twilight Invitational on Friday night.

3. Coronado: The T-Birds finished second at the Cleveland Invitational in Albuquerque with 58 points, eight behind Volcano Vista and three points ahead of Rio Rancho. Senior Luis Pastor was second in 15:51.5. Three other T-Birds had top 20 finishes – junior Edgar Valles (sixth, 16:45.7), Preston Eastman (13^th, 17:05.5) and Carlos Mendez (18^th, 17:22.5). The team will race at the Troopers Twilight on Friday night.

4. Pebble Hills: The Spartans finished a distance second at the Rudy Alvarez scoring 91 points. Pebble Hills had two runners in the top 20 – senior Noah Castorena (13^th, 17:31.43) and senior Omer Ibrahim (20^th, 17:53.58) who is still nursing a minor injury. The Spartans will race at its own invitational Friday morning at Blackie Chesher Park.

5. San Elizario: The Eagles were third at Del Valle. Senior Chris Moreno won his third consecutive individual crown in 16:19.62. San Elizario’s No. 2 man, junior Julian Guerra, did not race. Matthew Maese was 18^th in 17:49.61. The team will race at the Trooper Twilight Friday night.

6. El Paso High: The Tigers hold steady at six after seven of its runners finished in the top 8 including the top four to win the Gadsden Invitational with 16 points. Sophomore Miles Westbrook won the event in 17:19.59. Junior Leo Valenzuela was second in 17:30.65, junior Aydan Lugo was third in 17:54.45, sophomore Ulysses O’Rourke was fourth in 17:57.31, sophomore Andrew Hernandez was sixth in 18:51.30, junior Joaquin Moya was seventh in 19:00.20 and sophomore Lorenzo Shields was eighth in 19:01.72. El Paso will race at the Trooper Twilight Invitational on Friday night.

7. Cathedral: The Irish did not race a full team at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle. Its top runner was Jacob Noble who was 26^th in 18:12.41. Cathedral will race at the Trooper Twilight Invitational on Friday night.

8. Tornillo: Tornillo did not run a full team at Del Valle on Saturday. Junior Daniel Romero was second in 16:19.98 and senior Angel Torres was 19^th in 17:51.35. The team will race at the Trooper Twilight Invitational Friday night.

9. Chapin: The Huskies return to the top 10 after finishing fourth at Del Valle. Junior Seth Truax was 11^th in 17:30.52 and sophomore Braulio Torres was 12^th in 17:30.66. Chapin will race Friday morning at Blackie Chesher Park.

10. Americas: The Trailblazers are hanging around and holding out hope for improvement as the season continues. Junior Jacob Corral was the top runner (30^th, 18:22.25) at Del Valle. Americas will race at the Pebble Hills Invitational on Friday morning.

Dropped out: Hanks.

On the brink: Parkland, Bel Air.

Hanks senior Alejandro Tarin has the eighth fastest time posting a 16:22.89 at Mary Keisling Park.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Diego Flores, Franklin, 15:26.04 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

2, Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 15:29.44 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

3, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 15:32.31 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

4, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:46.25 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

5, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 16:19.62 (Del Valle, 8/27).

6, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 16:19.98 (Del Valle, 8/27).

7, Juan Leal, Franklin, 16:22.38 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

8, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 16:22.89 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

9, Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 16:24.18 (Del Valle, 8/27).

10, Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 16:40.10 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

11, Frank Lozano, Franklin, 16:41.37 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

12, Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 16:42.44 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

13, Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 16:44.13 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

14, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 16:44.41 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

15, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 16:45.80 (Clint, 8/13).

16, Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 16:50.51 (Del Valle, 8/27).

17, Jacob Noble, Cathedral, 16:51.73 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

18, Elijah Noble, Cathedral, 16:52.88 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

19, Austen Percifull, Franklin, 16:56.07 (Southlake Carroll, 8/27).

20, Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 16:56.74 (Del Valle, 8/27).

21, Leo Espino, Eastwood, 16:57.45 (Del Valle, 8/27).

22, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 16:57.66 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

23, Michael Castorena, Parkland, 16:58.51 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

24, Seth Truax, Chapin, 17:03.07 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

25, Adan Castillo, Franklin, 17:05.14 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

Cathedral’s Bernard Martinez (left) and Jacob Noble (right) are the top two returning runners for the Irish.

Power Rankings

1, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 30 (3).

2, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 29 (2).

3, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 24.

4, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 21.

5, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 18 (1).

6, Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 17.

7, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 16.

8, Diego Flores, Franklin, 15.

9, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 14.

10, Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 13.

10, Michael Castorena, Parkland, 13.

Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 12.

Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 12.

Ulysses O’Rourke, El Paso, 12.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 11.

Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 10 (1).

Matthew Engle, Franklin, 10.

Angel Torres, Tornillo, 10.

Ayden Lugo, El Paso, 10.

Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 9.

Leo Espino, Eastwood, 9.

Jacob Noble, Cathedral, 8.

Elijah Noble, Cathedral, 7.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 7.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 6.

Preston Eastman, Coronado, 6.

Matthew, Guerra, Burges, 5.

Angel Maese, San Elizario, 5.

Andrew Hernandez, El Paso, 5.

Zachary Rivas, Pebble Hills, 4.

Sam Flores, Coronado, 4.

Leonardo Resendez, Bel Air, 4.

Joaquin Moya, El Paso, 4.

Edward Robledo-Gonzales, Mt. View, 4.

Juan Leal, Franklin, 4.

Braulio Torres, Chapin, 3.

Lorenzo Shields, El Paso, 3.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 2.

Robert Dickerson, Pebble Hills, 2.

Francisco Reyes, Jefferson 2.

Micha Lay, Pebble Hills, 1.

Carlos Mendez, Coronado, 1.

William Potter, Bel Air, 1.

Efren Moncada, Parkland, 1.

Monday Cooldown: Moreno remains unbeaten; Jimenez keeps on running; Eastwood boys cruising

Chris Moreno picked up his third individual title at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle.

San Elizario senior Chris Moreno, who ended the 2021 season with a Class 4A state silver medal around his neck, has continued his winning ways.

Moreno won his third straight invitational on Saturday at Del Valle High School, holding off Tornillo’s Daniel Romero in the final 100 meters.

Moreno finished in 16:19.62 and Romero in 16:19.98. Eastwood’s Alex Flores was third 16:24.18 followed by Hanks’ Alejandro Tarin (16:46.51) and Eastwood’s Matthew Marshall (16:50.51).

“The first mile and a half I was pacing myself behind Alex and little by little I caught up to him,” Moreno said. “I started to relax and pushing it a little more when Danny came up. I had to have a good kick at the end to win.”

Rounding out the top 10 were Eastwood’s Anthony Casillas (16:56.74) and Leo Espino (16:57.45), Parkland teammates Michael Castorena (eighth, 16:59.44) and Efren Moncada (tenth, 17:27.73) and Immanuel Christian’s Israel Quintana (ninth, 17:13.73).

Moreno said the stiff El Paso competition helps him prepare for what he sees at regionals and state.

“El Paso has a lot of great runners, so we push each other every weekend,” he said. “We all work together to be better runners.”

He is also sticking to the rigid San Elizario training schedule.

“Every week we train harder than the previous week,” he said. “If you train hard, the races will be easier. We’ve been training on hills which gets us stronger, plus we’re doing a lot of distance which should help us in the earlier season. We’ll do more speed work when we get closer to state. Right now, I’m happy with where we’re at.”

Montwood’s Kassandara Jimenez looked strong at Del Valle.

Kassandra Jimenez; Eastwood boy’s cruise

Kassandra Jimenez has had a busy summer.

The Montwood senior is coming off a spectacular summer track season, earning a USATF national championship in the steeplechase, a silver in the 3,000-meter run and a fourth-place finish in the 1,500.

After finishing second at the Canutillo Invitational, Jimenez came back on Saturday to win the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle in a season-best 19:42.10.

Pebble Hills’ Natalia Martinez Lopez was second (19:47.27) followed by teammate Natalie Franco (20:35.64), Canutillo’s Natalie Rivera (20:50.20), Chapin’s Rebecca Duran (20:51.12), Eastlake’s Itzel Chavez (21:05.24), Chapin’s Gianny Correa (21:06.57), Del Valle’s Valeria Loo-Kung (21:07.63), Eastwood’s Salma Licon (21:13.74) and Aubrey Arsenault from Pebble Hills (21:14.20).

Jimenez said summer track has helped her prepare for the fall cross country season.

“Summer track helped me with my speed and turnover,” she said. “Since I ran at the national level, the competition really helped me show myself that I can run with some talented girls. I now know when I put my mind to it, I can end a race strong.”

She said she is not fatigued from the long season.

“I have some really good coaches who have trained me well,” she said. “I’m in a really good state physically and mentally. I don’t feel fatigued or that I’m going to peak too early. I feel like I’m right on track.”

Eastwood continued its winning ways at Del Valle.

The Eastwood boys easily won the team title with 29 points, placing four runners in the top seven.

“We’re really a close team,” Flores said. “We all care for each other so when we are racing, we all know that we are out there for each other.”

Flores, who is running his first varsity season, said the team concept is the only way to go.

“Of course, you have to think about yourself too, but you’re doing it for the team,” he said “Half the race is mental and that really helps you push through to the end. The concept of the race is pushing your body to the absolute limit and sure, it terrifies you, but you are doing it for your teammates so that really pushes you when you feel you can’t go on.”

Flores said this year’s team, with only two runners back from a Class 6A state bronze medal team, is well aware of what the expectations are.

“There is pressure, but we welcome it,” he said. “There is a positive that comes with a legacy, knowing the history helps push us through those hard points of the season. We are not only doing it for ourselves, but the guys who came before us.”

High School Boy’s XC Poll: Week 2

Every Thursday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top boy’s cross country runners.

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.

The course last week at the Franklin Invitational was muddy and wet.

This week’s schedule

Rudy Alvarez Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 27 at Del Valle High School. Burges, Jefferson, Andress, Chapin, Del Valle, Pebble Hills, Montwood, Eastlake, Socorro, Americas, San Eli, Ysleta, Bel Air, Hanks, Parkland, VVECH, Eastwood, Ft Hancock, Loretto, Cathedral, Tornillo, Riverside, Canutillo.

Gadsden Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 27 at Chaparral High School. Irvin, Austin, Bowie, El Paso.

Southlake Carroll Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 27 at Southlake Carroll High School. Franklin.

Albuquerque Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 27 in Albuquerque. Coronado.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers won the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School with 25 points. Eastwood placed all five scoring runners in the top 10 lead by junior Alexander Flores (second, 16:31.36). Senior Matthew Marshall was fourth in 17:02.39 followed by senior Anthony Casillas (fifth, 17:24.80), junior Leo Espino (sixth,17:32.41) and senior Joaquin Chavez (ninth, 17:49.43). Eastwood’s 1 through 5 split was 1 minute and 18 seconds, something they must work on during the season. The team will race at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle on Saturday.

2. Franklin: The Cougars won their invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park with 31 points. Franklin had four runners in the top 10 including junior Matthew Engle (second, 16:04.89), senior Diego Flores (third, 16:20.54), junior Juan Leal (seventh, 16:51.01) and senior Denovan Estrada (eighth, 16:56.69). Franklin’s 1-5 split was 53 seconds. The team will travel to Southlake Carroll.

3. Coronado: The T-Birds finished second at the Franklin Invitational with 66 points. Senior Luis Pastor won his second straight individual title in 15:46.25. Junior Edgar Valles was ninth in 16:57.66. The team will race at Albuquerque Invitational on Saturday.

4. Pebble Hills: The Spartans were again without Texas Mile Split preseason first team All State runner senior Omer Ibrahim who is nursing a minor injury. The team finished fourth at the 14-team, 100-runner Franklin Invitational. Sophomore Ameen Ibrahim was the top finisher, placing 21^st in 17:43.10. The Spartans will race at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle on Saturday.

5. San Elizario: The Eagles were second at the Canutillo Invitational with 44 points. Senior Chris Moreno won his second consecutive individual crown in 16:31.09. Junior Julian Guerra was third in 17:01.21 and junior Angel Maese was eighth in 17:44.44. The team will race at Del Valle on Saturday.

6. El Paso High: The Tigers move up two spots after its third-place finish at the Franklin Invitational. Sophomore Miles Westbrook was the low-point runner, finishing 13^th in 17:12.87. Junior Leo Valenzuela (19^th, 17:30.72) and sophomore Ulysses O’Rourke (20th, 17:40.42) had top 20 finishes. El Paso will race at the Gadsden Invitational on Saturday.

7. Cathedral: The Irish did not race on Saturday. The team is scheduled to race at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle on Saturday.

8. Tornillo: The Class 3A Coyotesjump in the top 10 for the first time this season after its impressive fifth place finish at the tough Franklin Invitational. For the past two years Tornillo’s 1-2 punch of junior Daniel Romero, (fifth, 16:39.06) and senior Angel Torres (sixth, 16:44.41) have been state contenders as individuals. Now it appears the team might have runners in the 3 to 5 slots to make another run at a state team medal. Only time will tell. The team will race at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle on Saturday.

9. Americas: The Trailblazers drop three spots after finishing sixth at the Franklin Invitational. Its top runner was junior Jacob Corral who was 28^th in 18:29.62. Americas will race at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle on Saturday.

10. Hanks: The Knights drop one after its 7^th place finish at the Franklin Invitational. Senior Alejandro Tarin was fourth in 16:22.89. Hanks will race at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle on Saturday.

Dropped out: Eastlake.

On the brink: Chapin, Bel Air.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:46.25 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

2, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 16:04.89 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

3, Diego Flores, Franklin, 16:20.54 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

4, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 16:22.89 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

5, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 16:29.97 (Clint, 8/13).

6, Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 16:31.36 (Canutillo, 8/20).

7, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 16:36.91 (Clint, 8/13).

8, Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 16:42.44 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

9, Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 16:44.13 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

10, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 16:44.41 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

11, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 16:45.80 (Clint, 8/13).

12, Juan Leal, Franklin, 16:51.01 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

13, Jacob Noble, Cathedral, 16:51.73 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

14, Elijah Noble, Cathedral, 16:52.88 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

15, Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 16:56.69 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

16, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 16:57.66 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

17, Michael Castorena, Parkland, 16:58.51 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

18, Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 16:58.76 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

19, Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 17:02.39 (Canutillo, 8/20).

20, Seth Truax, Chapin, 17:03.07 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

21, Adan Castillo, Franklin, 17:05.14 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

22, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 17:12.87 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

23, Matthew, Guerra, Burges, 17:12.41 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

24, Frank Lozano, Franklin, 17:15.36 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

25, Preston Eastman, Coronado, 17:20.71 (Mary Keisling Park, 8/20).

Power Rankings

1, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 20 (2).

1, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 20 (2).

3, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 16.

4, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 15.

5, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 14.

6, Ameen Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 10 (1).

6, Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 10.

6, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 10.

6, Michael Castorena, Parkland, 10.

10, Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 9.

6, Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 9.

10, Matthew Engle, Franklin, 9.

10, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 9.

Diego Flores, Franklin, 8.

Jacob Noble, Cathedral, 8.

Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 8.

Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 7.

Elijah Noble, Cathedral, 7.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 6.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 6.

Preston Eastman, Coronado, 6.

Leo Espino, Eastwood, 5.

Matthew, Guerra, Burges, 5.

Angel Maese, San Elizario, 5.

Ulysses O’Rourke, El Paso, 5.

Zachary Rivas, Pebble Hills, 4.

Sam Flores, Coronado, 4.

Leonardo Resendez, Bel Air, 4.

Edward Robledo-Gonzales, Mt. View, 4.

Juan Leal, Franklin, 4.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 3.

Braulio Torres, Chapin, 3.

Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 3.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 2.

Robert Dickerson, Pebble Hills, 2.

Ayden Lugo, El Paso, 2.

Micha Lay, Pebble Hills, 1.

Carlos Mendez, Coronado, 1.

William Potter, Bel Air, 1.

Monday Cooldown: Franklin girl’s determined to return to state; Pastor sets high standards

Franklin started the season with a perfect score.

It’s no secret, the Franklin girls were supposed to be strong this year as they attempt to regroup after narrowly missing out on its third straight state appearance in 2021.

But what they did Saturday morning on a slippery, muddy course at Mary Frances Keisling Park was downright astonishing.

The Cougars opened the 2022 campaign with a perfect score, placing runners in the first nine spots and 10 out of the first 11.

Pebble Hills junior Natalie Franco was the only non-Franklin runner to crack the top 10, placing tenth in 21:06.64.

“It was fun and muddy,” said senior Alyssa Laspada who won the individual title in 20:07.26. “I was a little nervous but also excited.”

She has every reason to be excited.

Laspada was followed by two freshmen – Emily Orr and Abigail Pinon who finished second (20:36.10) and third (20:38.16).

Sophomore Tessa Gibbons was fourth in 20:41.73 and senior Sofia Camacho was fifth 20:42.09, senior Abigail Barraza was eight in 21:04.83 and junior Brooke McCune was ninth in 21:06.07.

“The freshmen did really well,” Laspada said. “I have high expectations for myself and for the team.”

Laspada was the lone runner to represent Franklin at the Class 6A state meet last year.

“It’s been challenging to rebuild after losing some quality seniors the past two years, but we’re getting there,” she said. “Now, as seniors, Sofia (Camacho) and Abby (Barraza) and I have gained the respect of the girls because they saw how hard we worked which ultimately led to success.”

Orr, who was at Wiggs Middle School last year, said the course was difficult but fun.

“It was really muddy and really steep, and I couldn’t find good footing, but I felt strong,” she said. “I just came off an injury, so it felt good to be back.”

Orr understands the responsibility of running as a freshman on a team as talented as Franklin.

“I really like the team; we’re really close and strong,” she said. “Everyone is fast and talented. I take a lot of advice from Alyssa and Abby. I look up to them and try to keep up with them and try to do what they do.”

Orr said she understands her role.

“I’m hoping good things happen to us this year,” she said. “It’s an amazing team. Me and the other freshman are going to have a huge role. I think we’ll be able to get to state and be able to pull the team together.”

Pinon, who ran at Canutillo Middle School, is also excited to run varsity as a freshman.

“It’s really special, I love running with them,” she said. “It’s something that I’ll cherish forever. My role is to work hard and stay determined. We have to keep on pushing each other and ourselves.

Franklin boys; Coronado’s Pastor shine

Coronado’s Luis Pastor has started his senior season off strong, following up his 2.7-mile Irvin Invitational championship with another at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

“I’ve been saying I wanted to run 15 (minutes) here all week because I knew it was a flat course, but the conditions didn’t allow for that, so I had to adjust and run tough,” Pastor said. “I fell behind in the first 800 meters, so I had to make a quick kick to be where I wanted to be. I passed the front runners and that drained a lot of me, but I was able to hold strong for the rest of the race.”

Pastor posted a 15:46.25 on the muddy course.

Franklin easily won the team championship with 31 points.

Junior Matthew Engle and senior Diego Flores placed second and third in 16:04.89 and 16:20.54, junior Juan Leal was seventh in 16:51.01 and senior Denovan Estrada was eighth in 16:56.69

Hanks senior Alejandro Tarin was fourth (16:22.89), Tornillo junior Daniel Romero was fifth (16:39.06), his senior teammate, Angel Torres was sixth (16:44.41), Coronado junior Edgar Valles was ninth in 16:57.66 and Parkland senior Michael Castorena had his second top 10 finish, placing tenth in 16:58.51.

“In terms of placement, first is always great but I’m not happy with the time,” Pastor said. “It could have been a lot faster; I could have pushed myself a little more. Even in these conditions there is always a little bit left. I needed the guys to push me, but I was out there by myself for most of the race.”

Pastor, who finished 10^th at state last year in 15:19.9, earning him All State honors, was named to the Texas Milesplit Preseason All State team on Friday.

“People tend to get comfortable once they run the time they want to,” he said. “Last year, I was gunning for (Alan) Culpepper’s school records. For the longest time, that was my motivation. But once I got them, I had to figure out what other carrot I could chase; what will motivate me and push me?”

Pastor set two new school records at the UIL Class 6A State Track and Field Championship his junior year – racing to a 9:03.83 in the 3,200 meters, and a blazing 4:11.34 in the 1,600 meters.

He is now focused on Bel Air’s Sergio Oaxaca’s 1,600 city record of 4:08.9 he set in 1980 and Eastwood’s Daniel Bernal’s 3200-meter city record of 8:54.21 he set in 2017.

“I’ve been setting my sights on either winning state or take both El Paso city distance records in track,” he said. “That’s what’s really motivating me.”

He said there is no greater motivator than fear.

“I’m really afraid of being bad, not improving or giving my best,” he said. “If you’re not going to give it your best, then why are you out here? There are times in workouts where we treat it as a race. There’s never been a workout where we go easy. Even on our easy pace, we’re going hard, we’re trying to outrace each other on the daily at practice and that breeds amazing competitive spirit. You always have something else to push for.”