Category: El Paso boys cross country

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.

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 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.

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.

El Paso High won the District 1-5A Championship.

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 15th 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.

Parkland’s Michael Castorena and Efren Moncada finished 1-2 at the District 2-5A Championship.

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.

Riverside won the District 1-4A Championship.

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.

San Elizario is back to regionals.

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 13th in 17:09.66 and senior Sam Breceda was 14th  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 21st 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.

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

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.

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

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 24th 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 16th 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 19th 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 14th 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.

Eastwood’s Anthony Casillas.

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.

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

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 11th 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 12th 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 (18th, 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 (13th, 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.