El Paso boys cross country – Page 5

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.

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

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.”

High School Boy’s XC Poll: Week 1

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

Franklin Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 20, Mary Frances Keisling Park. Franklin, Coronado, Irvin, El Paso, Chapin, Pebble Hills, Eastlake, Americas, Hanks, Ft Hancock, Tornillo, VVECH, Ysleta, Del Valle,

Canutillo Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 20, Canutillo Middle School. Eastwood, Canutillo, Austin, Burges, Jefferson, Andress, Bowie, Radford, Montwood, Socorro, Hanks, YWLA, Anthony, Cathedral, Loretto, Santa Teresa, Gadsden, Chaparral, San Eli, Bel Air.

The San Elizario Eagles are ranked No. 2 in the state in Class 4A.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers will start its season Saturday at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School. The Troopers are ranked No. 5 in Class 6A by the Texas Cross Country Coaches Association.

2. Franklin: The Cougars will begin the 2022 campaign Saturday at its own Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

3. Coronado: The T-Birds placed four runners in the top 10 and won the Irvin Invitational at Skyline Park with 27 points. Senior Luis Pastor won the 2.7-mile race in 13:18.52 followed by junior Edgar Valles (fourth, 15:35.63), junior Preston Eastman (fifth, 15:36.97), senior Sam Flores (seventh, 15:42.57) and junior Carlos Mendez (tenth, 15:54.01). The team will race at the Franklin Invitational Saturday at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

4. Pebble Hills: Senior Omer Ibrahim did not race the Eastlake Invitational on Friday, but the Spartans still managed to win the event, placing all five scoring runners in the top 10. Ibrahim’s brother, sophomore Ameen Ibrahim, won his first individual title, racing to a 16:42.44. Senior Noah Castorena was second in 16:44.13 followed by sophomore Zach Rivas (seventh, 17:22.00), junior Robert Dickerson (ninth, 17:25.15) and Micah Lay (tenth, 17:31.18). The Spartans will race at the Franklin Invitational Saturday at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

5. San Elizario: The Eagles won the Clint Invitational placing three runners in the top 10. Senior Chris Moreno won the individual crown in 16:29.97 followed by junior Julian Guerra (third, 16:45.80) and junior Angel Maese (ninth, 18:12.10). The Eagles are ranked No. 2 in Class 4A by the Texas Cross Country Coaches Association. San Elizario will race at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School on Saturday.

6. Americas: The Trailblazers finished second at the Eastlake Invitational on Friday without placing a runner in the top 10. Its top two runners were junior Christian Hurtado who was 12^th in 17:44.47 and Jacob Corral was 14^th in 17:47.45. Americas will race at the Franklin Invitational Saturday at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

7. Cathedral: The Irish did not run a full team at the Eastlake Invitational. However, seniors Jacob Noble was third in 16:51.73 and Elijah Noble was fourth in 16:52.88. Cathedral will race at the Canutillo Invitational at Canutillo Middle School on Saturday.

8. El Paso High: The Tigers finished six points behind Coronado at the Irvin Invitational with four runners in the top 10. Sophomore Miles Westbrook was third in 15:21.48, sophomore Ulysses O’Rourke was sixth in 15:40.54, junior Leo Valenzuela was eighth in 15:44.32 and junior Ayden Lugo was ninth in 15:46.44. The course measured the 2.7-miles. El Paso will be tested at the Franklin Invitational Saturday at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

9. Hanks: The Knights move up a spot after its second-place finish at Clint. Hanks had two runners finish in the top 11 – senior Alejandro Tarin was fourth in 16:50.00 and senior Angel Gomez was 11^th in 18:54.65. Hanks will race at the loaded Franklin Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

10. Eastlake: The Falcon make its season debut in the top 10 after finishing third at its own Invitational. Its top runner was junior Diego Mota who finished 11^th in 17:39.34. Eastlake will race at the Franklin Invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park.

Dropped out: Chapin.

On the brink: Tornillo.

Pebble Hills sophomore Ameen Ibrahim won the Eastlake Invitational last week in 16:42.44

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

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

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

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

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

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

6, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 16:50.00 (Clint, 8/13).

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

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

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

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

11, Zachary Rivas, Pebble Hills, 17:22.00 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

12, Braulio Torres, Chapin, 17:23.46 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

13, Robert Dickerson, Pebble Hills, 17:25.15 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

14, Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 17:30.22 (Clint, 8/13).

15, Micha Lay, Pebble Hills, 17:31.18 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

16, Diego Mota, Eastlake, 17:39.34 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

17, Christian Hurtado, Americas, 17:44.47 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

18, Cesar Ruiz, Del Valle, 17:45.32 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

19, Jacob Corral, Americas, 17:47.45 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

20, Jorge Soto, Pebble Hills, 17:49.42 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

21, Martin Sanchez, Montwood, 17:56.54 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

22, Jacob Martinez, Americas, 17:56.85 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

23, Francisco Reyes, Jefferson, 17:57.20 (Blackie Chesher, 8/12).

24, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 18:00.98 (Clint, 8/13).

25, Edward Robledo-Gonzales, Mt. View, 18:08.79 (Clint, 8/13).

Parkland’s Michael Castorena is one the top returning runners. He finished second at the Irvin Invitational.

Power Rankings

1, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 10 (1).

1, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 10 (1).

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

4, Noah Castorena, Pebble Hills, 9.

4, Michael Castorena, Parkland, 9.

4, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 9.

7, Jacob Noble, Cathedral, 8.

7, Miles Westbrook, El Paso, 8.

7, Julian Guerra, San Elizario, 8.

10, Elijah Noble, Cathedral, 7.

10, Edgar Valles, Coronado, 7.

10, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 7.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 6.

Preston Eastman, Coronado, 6.

Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 6.

Angel Torres, Tornillo, 5.

Matthew, Guerra, Burges, 5.

Ulysses O’Rourke, El Paso, 5.

Zachary Rivas, Pebble Hills, 4.

Sam Flores, Coronado, 4.

Edward Robledo-Gonzales, Mt. View, 4.

Braulio Torres, Chapin, 3.

Leo Valenzuela, El Paso, 3.

Leonardo Resendez, Bel Air, 3.

Robert Dickerson, Pebble Hills, 2.

Angel Maese, San Elizario, 2.

Ayden Lugo, El Paso, 2.

Micha Lay, Pebble Hills, 1.

Carlos Mendez, Coronado, 1.

William Potter, Bel Air, 1.

High School Boys XC Preseason Poll 2022

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.

Eastwood will rely on seniors Joaquin Chavez and Anthony Casillas this season.

This week’s schedule

Eastlake Invitational: 8 a.m., Friday, Aug. 12 at Blackie Chesher Park. Burges, Jefferson, Chapin, Pebble Hills, Montwood, Eastlake, Americas, Hanks, Del Valle and Cathedral,

Irvin Invitational: 8 a.m., Friday, Aug. 12 at Skyline Park. Irvin, Coronado, Austin, El Paso, Andress, Bowie, Radford, El Dorado, Ysleta, Loretto.

Clint Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 13 at Clint High School. Clint, San Eli, Anthony, Eastwood, Ft Hancock, Bel Air, Riverside, Tornillo, Pebble Hills.

Pebble Hills senior Omer Ibrahim returns after finishing eighth in 15:17.3 at the UIL Class 6A Championship.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers won its fifth consecutive state medal winning bronze in Class 6A in 2021. The team lost five of its top five runners including Andres Gurrola and Isaac Mendoza who had top 20 finishes at state. Eastwood will rely on seniors Joaquin Chavez and Anthony Casillas, its No. 6 and No. 7 runners from last year. The Troopers might not have a front runner this season, but they will have a lot of depth which could lead to a sixth straight trip to state. They will start the season at the Clint Invitational on Saturday.

2. Franklin: After gaining valuable experience at the Region 1, Class 6A Championship last year, the Cougars will be a force to be reckoned with in 2022. The team returns six runners from that team – seniors Diego Flores, Austen Percifull, Denovan Estrada and Ria Lopez, and juniors Matthew Engle and Juan Leal. Joining the varsity this year are juniors Juan Leal and Adan Castillo. Franklin will start its season next week at its own invitational at Mary Frances Keisling Park..

3. Coronado: The T-Birds are primed to have a special year with senior Luis Pastor, who earned All-State honors last year in the Class 6A State Championship, finishing 10th in 15:19.9. The team will return four of its top seven runners including Pastor, seniors Sam Flores and Sam Breceda and junior Carlos Mendez. Two other juniors, Edgar Valles and Cathedral transfer Preston Arnett, are battling it out for the No. 2 runner for the T-Birds. Watch out for Coronado as they attempt to qualify to regionals. Coronado starts the season Friday at the Irvin Invitational at Skyline Park.

4. Pebble Hills: Omer Ibrahim returns for his senior year after finishing eighth in 15:17.3 at the UIL Class 6A Championship. Four of its top five will return including Ibrahim, senior Noah Castorena, sophomore Ameen Ibrahim and junior Robert Dickerson. Watch for sophomores Zach Rivas and Pablo Corral to provide depth. The team will race at the Eastlake Invitational on Friday.

5. San Elizario: The Eagles defended its Class 4A UIL state championship – its sixth championship in eight years in 2021. Senior Chris Moreno was state runner-up finishing in 15:45.8. Also returning are juniors Julián Guerra and Ángel Maese. As in every season, San Elizario will start of slow and build up for championship season. They will race at the Clint Invitational.

6. Americas: The Trailblazers finished sixth at the Region 1-6A Meet. Gone are Americas top two runners Jared Laverty and Carmelo Corral who made it to state in 2021. Americas looks to rebuild with only two of its top seven returning – seniors Stefan Alvarez and Rene Renteria. Junior Christian Hurtado will make a solid third runner. Americas will count on a pair of sophomores and a freshman to fill out its top seven.

7. Cathedral: The Irish finished with a bronze medal at the TAPPS State Championship in 2021. Seniors Elijah Noble (eighth at state in 17:08.50) Jacob Noble (12^th at stat in 17:22.3) will be the front runners for the Irish. The rebuilding begins Friday at the Eastlake Invitational.

8. El Paso High: The Tigers had a solid summer of training.The team was on the brink of cracking the top 10 every week in 2021 This year, they begin the season as one of the top programs in the city. The team is led by juniors Leo Valenzuela and Ayden Lugo. Expect big things from sophomores Ulysses O’Rourke and Miles Westbrook. El Paso High looks to return to the Region 1-5A Championship. The team will race at the Irvin Invitational on Friday.

9. Chapin: The Huskies return four of its top five runners from a team that advanced to the Region 1-5A championship. Junior Seth Truax leads the charge along with sophomore Braulio Torres and junior Dauntae Herrera. Senior Adriel Lira will also be counted on heavily. Chapin will be tested early at the Eastlake Invitational on Friday.

10. Hanks: The Knights have three runners returning from its regional qualifying team including senior Alejandro Tarin. Tarin advanced to state and finished 27^th in 16:05.6. Seniors Angel Gomez and Andres Garcia also return. The Knights will need to find suitable fourth and fifth runners to qualify for regionals again this season. Hanks start the start Friday at the Eastlake Invitational.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: None.

El Paso’s top runners compete at NXR South; Ibrahim earns Top 10 finish

Pebble Hills’ Omer Ibrahim capped his junior year with a top 10 finish in the Championship Division at the Nike Cross South Regional, placing sixth in 15:40.4.

Pebble Hills junior Omer Ibrahim (left) was El Paso’s top runner at the Nike Cross South Regional, placing sixth.

Coronado junior Luis Pastor (14^th, 15:54.9), Eastwood senior Andres Gurrola (19^th, 16:01.6) and Americas senior Jared Laverty (24^th, 16:08.9) were the only other top 25 runners.

Coronado’s Luis Pastor (in blue) had a top 15 finish at NXR South.

Grapevine, the Class 5A UIL state champion, won the team event with 66 points followed by Class 6A state champ Southlake Carroll (73 points), Class 6A runner-up The Woodlands (127 points) and Class 6A fourth place team Humble Atascocita, with 170 points.

Eastwood, which won Class 6A bronze, was fifth with 171 points and Class 4A state champion San Elizario was 19^th with 449 points.

Eastwood, which won Class 6A bronze, was fifth at NXR South.

Sahil Dodda, from Dallas St. Marks, won the individual title in 15:15.3.

In the girls Championship Division, three El Paso runners finished in the top 25 including Eastwood senior Lauren Walls-Portillo (11^th, 18:34.70), Eastwood freshman Adelynn Rodriguez (13^th, 18:39.8) and Franklin junior Alyssa Laspada (24^th, 19:07.0).

Shewaye Johnson from Prosper won the individual title in 17:45.9.

Southlake Carroll won the team event with 95 points, Eastwood was 10^th with 265 points and Franklin was 11^th with 276 points. The Troopers are only the second girl’s team to finish in the top 10 at NXR. The other was Eastwood in 2013.

In the boys Open Division, four El Pasoans finished in the top 15 including Franklin junior Diego Flores who won the event in 16:36.8. A pair of teammates – junior Denovan Estrada (fifth, 16:49.0) and sophomore Matthew Engle (ninth 16:54.8) – had top 10 finishes and Riverside senior Jayden Bustillos was 11^th in 16:57.0.

Franklin junior Diego Flores won the boys Open Division. The team finished second overall.

The Woodlands won the team title with 91 points followed by Franklin (108 points). Eastwood was 11^th overall with 406 points and Cathedral was 16^th with 462 points.

In the girl’s Open Division, San Elizario senior Samantha Ramirez was 14^th in 20:26.7.

Keller Bear Creek’s Vivien Boehmer won the individual title in 19:21.7.

High School Boy’s XC Poll: Final

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

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

Cathedral finished the season with a bronze medal at the TAPPS State Championship.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers won its fifth consecutive state medal winning bronze n Class 6A. Seniors Andres Gurrola and Isaac Mendoza had top 20 finishes to lead Eastwood – Gurrola 12^th in 15:28.6 and Isaac Mendoza, 17^th in 15:37.8. Eastwood will race at the NXN South Regional Championship in The Woodlands on Nov. 20 and the Garmin RunningLane Cross Country Championship in December.

2. San Elizario: The Eagles defended its Class 4A UIL state championship – its sixth championship in eight years. Junior Chris Moreno was second in 15:45.8. Junior Angel Maese was 29^th in 16:41.3 and sophomore Matthew Maese (39^th, 16:53.5) were the only other top 40 finishers for San Elizario. The Eagles will race at the NXN South Regional Championship in The Woodlands on Nov. 20.

3. Americas: The Trailblazers finished sixth at the Region 1-6A Meet. Americas did send two runners to state. Senior Jared Laverty was 45^th in 15:58.4 and teammate Carmelo Corral was 71^st in 16:17.8. As Americas looks ahead, the team will only return two of its top seven – juniors Stefan Alvarez and Rene Renteria.

4. Franklin: The Cougars finished the season with an 11^th place finish at the Region 1, Class 6A Championship. Their future looks bright as the team returns all but one of the top seven including juniors Diego Flores and Austen Percifull and Rai Lopez and sophomores Matthew Engle and Juan Leal.

5. Coronado: Junior Luis Pastor had an Al State race at the Class 6A State meet, finishing 10^th in 15:19.9. The team will return three of its top five runners including Pastor, sophomore Carlos Mendez and junior Sam Flores.

6. Cathedral: The Irish finished with a bronze medal at the TAPPS State Championship with 69 points. Elijah Noble was eighth in 17:08.5 followed by Bernard Martinez (ninth, 17:12.6 12), Jacob Noble (12th, 17:22.3), Preston Arnett (14^th, 17:55.2 ) and Dylan-John Lorilla (26^th, 18:06.3).

7. Riverside: The Rangers seniors – Andrew Valdiviezo and Jayden Bustillos – had top 20 finishes at the Class 4A State Championship. Bustillos was 16^th in 16:18.5 and Valdiviezo was 19^th in 16:28.7.

8. Pebble Hills: Junior Omer Ibrahim was eighth in 15:17.3 and finished All State at the UIL Class 6A Championship. His 15:17.3 was the fastest of any El Paso runner in all classifications. Four of its top five will return including Ibrahim, junior Noah Castorena, freshman Ameen Ibrahim and sophomore Robert Dickerson.

9. Hanks: The Knights duo of junior Alejandro Tarin and senior Gael Alvarado finished their season at the Class 5A state meet where Tarin was 27^th in 16:05.6 and Alvarado was 51^st in 16:30.8. Four of the top five runners will return for Hanks including Tarin, juniors Andres Garcia, Gael Ornelas and Angel Gomez.

10. Burges: The Mustangs placed 16^th in the Region 1-5A race. Burges had two top 50 runners – senior Julian Maldonado (45^th, 17:19.8) and junior Mathew Guerra (46^th, 17:21.0). With only two of the top five returning (Guerra and junior Esteban Armendariz) – it looks to be a rebuild at Burges.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: None.

Coronado junior Luis Pastor, Eastwood seniors Andres Gurrola and Isaac Mendoza and Pebble Hills junior Omer Ibrahim, have been the top runners in El Paso since the beginning of the season. All ran at the UIL Class 6A state meet.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 14.43.8 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

2, Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 14.49.7 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

3, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 15:02.15 (Del Valle, 8/28).

4, Israel David, Eastlake, 15:02.73 (Del Valle, 8/28).

5, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 15:04.79 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Devon Paez, Eastwood, 15:13.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

7, Victor Anchondo, Eastwood, 15:16.8 (Woodbridge, 9/18)

8, Jared Laverty, Americas, 15:24.83 (Canutillo, 8/21).

9, Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 15:28.0 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

10, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 15:38.71 (Del Valle, 8/28).

11, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 15:41.47 (Clint, 10/2).

12, Carmelo Corral, Americas, 15:41.95 (Canutillo, 8/21).

13, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 15:44.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

14, Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 15:44.47 (Clint, 10/2).

15, Jacob Becket, Eastwood, 15:44.8 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

16, Diego Flores, Franklin, 15:51.32 (Mary Francis Keisling, 9/11).

17, Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 15:52.3 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

18, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 16:01.51 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

19, Aaron Saenz, Americas 16:04.0 (Cleveland, 8/28).

20, Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 16:15.52 (Clint, 10/2).

21, Jayden Bustillos, Riverside, 16:15.7 (Mae Simmons, 10/25).

22, Austen Percifull, Franklin, 16:16.35 (Mary Francis Keisling, 9/11).

23, Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 16:19.03 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

24, Isaac Romero, Franklin, 16:22.86 (Southlake, 8/28).

25, Matthew Maese, San Elizario, 16:28.43 (Clint, 10/2).

A great season in Class 4A came to end with San Elizario’s Chris Moreno earning a state silver medal.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Luis Pastor, Coronado, 89 (3).

2, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills, 86 (6).

3, Chris Moreno, San Elizario, 76 (3).

4, Jared Laverty, Americas, 66 (4).

5, Angel Torres, Tornillo, 58 (3).

6, Alejandro Tarin, Hanks, 57.

7, Andrew Valdiviezo, Riverside, 55.

8, Daniel Romero, Tornillo, 54.

9, Andres Gurrola, Eastwood, 45.

10, Gael Alvarado, Hanks, 45 (1).

Diego Flores, Franklin, 40 (1).

Carmelo Corral, Americas, 40.

Isaac Mendoza, Eastwood, 40.

Jayden Bustillos, Riverside, 38.

Israel David, Eastlake, 34.

Austen Percifull, Franklin, 20.

Aaron Saenz, Americas, 19.

Seth Truax, Chapin, 19.

Matthew Maese, San Elizario, 17.

Julian Maldonado, Burges, 17 (1).

Preston Arnett, Cathedral, 15.

Israel Quintana, Immanuel, 15.

Devon Paez, Eastwood, 15.

David Ramirez, El Paso High, 15.

David Herrera, Burges, 14.

Jacob Noble, Cathedral, 12 (1).

Omar Rivera, Canutillo, 12.

Irvin Vazquez, San Elizario, 13.

Bernard Martinez, Cathedral, 10.

Elijah Noble, Cathedral, 10.

Rai Lopez, Franklin, 9.

Angel Maese, San Elizario, 9.

Matthew Engle, Franklin, 8.

Matthew Marshall, Eastwood, 8.

Sam Breceda, Coronado, 8.

Leo Valenzuela, El Paso High, 8.

Michael Castorena, Parkland, 8.

Joaquin Chavez, Eastwood, 7.

Frank Lozano, Franklin, 7.

Efren Moncada, Parkland, 7.

Carlos Mendez, Coronado, 6.

Matthew Guerra, Burges, 6.

Oscar Guzman, Franklin, 6.

Diego Espinoza, Cathedral, 6.

Alan Ceballos, San Elizario, 6.

Juan Linares, Horizon, 6.

Denovan Estrada, Franklin, 5.

Mario Elias, Eastlake, 5.

Sam Flores, Coronado, 5.

Aidan Hernandez, Eastlake, 5.

Aydan Lugo, El Paso High, 5.

Aaron Gomez, Burges, 5.

Isai Barajas, Ysleta, 5.

Anthony Casillas, Eastwood, 4.

Dauntae Herrera, Chapin, 4.

Dylan Lorilla, Cathedral, 4.

Venancio Calderon, El Dorado, 4.

Bryan Estrada, Eastlake, 3.

Antonio Palos, Irvin, 3.

Jorge Maese, San Eli, 3.

Alexander Flores, Eastwood, 2.

Victor Anchondo, Eastwood, 2.

Sebastian Gonzalez, Franklin, 2.

Rene Renteria, Americas, 2.

Juan Leal, Franklin, 2.

Luis Martinez, Irvin, 2.

Kevin Perez, Riverside, 2.

Heiden Pereda, Eastwood, 2.

Braulio Torres, Chapin, 2.

Yahir Barrios, Horizon, 2.

Isaac Romero, Franklin, 1.

Jesse Morales, Americas, 1.

Mauricio Cuartes, Eastwood, 1.

Evan Avitia, Americas, 1.

Jostin Briones, Riverside, 1.

Santiago Cadena, Horizon, 1.

San Elizario earns sixth Class 4A state title in eight years; Eastwood ekes out bronze

Winning gold never gets old in San Elizario.

Matter of fact, it has become a tradition – a rite of passage for its runners.

The Class 4A cross country juggernaut defended its state title on Saturday morning at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, edging Region 1 foe Argyle by four points.

San Elizario won back-to-back state titles.

This was the Eagles sixth state title in eight years – winning in 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020 and 2021. In the years they didn’t win gold, they finished second (2019) and third (2018).

Canyon, the Region 1 champion, was third.

“We’re very happy for the kids,” San Elizario coach Cesar Morales. “Finishing second at regionals gave us a little bit of humility and it forced us to come up with a plan that needed to be executed. It all worked out perfectly for us.”

Morales credits the 25-second gap between his two through five runners for the team’s success.

“We knew it was going to come down to the last kilometer so made several adjustments that eventually paid off for us,” he said.

Junior Angel Maese was 29^th in 16:41.3 followed by sophomore Matthew Maese (39^th, 16:53.5), senior Irvin Vazquez (48^th, 16:59.6), sophomore Julian Guerra (55^th, 17:06.1), senior Alan Ceballos (69^th, 17:13.1) and senior Jorge Maese (105th, 17:55.0).

He is also impressed with how the team has emerged as state champions after losing Edwin Gomez and Dilan Sanchez – its two leaders the past four years.

“This group of kids is carrying on that tradition of doing well in state,” Morales said. “Edwin was a great leader and a great athlete for the past four years so there was a question coming into the season if we could continue the San Eli legacy. This is proof that we can and that we will continue to do well.”

San Elizario junior Chris Moreno was second in 15:45.8, three seconds behind state champMicah Swann from Athens who completed the course in 15:42.4.

“The first mile was pretty relaxing but heading out into the second mile, Swann made a move, and I knew I had to keep up with him,” Moreno said. “Little by little, he was moving farther ahead of me, so I just kept my pace because I know I have a good 800-meter kick. Almost towards the end of the race, I noticed that he slipped and almost fell. I saw that as my opportunity, so I started pushing myself harder. But as we headed to the finish, he regained his momentum, and it was too late for me.”

Moreno said he was happy with his silver medal but is even happier the team was able to repeat as Class 4A state champions.

“It feels great,” he said. “At the beginning of the season, people all over Texas doubted we could do it again. It gave us motivation to show them we could do it even without Edwin and Dilan. In our hearts and in minds, we knew that we could win another state title for San Elizario and carry on the tradition.”

Riverside seniors Jayden Bustillos (16^th, 16:18.5) and Andrew Valdiviezo (19^th, 16:28.7) had top 20 finishes.

On the girl’s side in class 4A, San Elizario senior Samantha Ramirez was 74^th in the two-mile race in 12:45.0.

Class 6A

The Eastwood Troopers won its fifth consecutive state medal – eking out a bronze medal in Class 6A.

Initially, Humble Atascocista and Eastwood had been listed as having tied at 133 with Atascocista earning third place due to its sixth runner finishing better than Eastwood’s sixth.

However, about 20 minutes later, after resolving “a technical issue,” Eastwood was declared the winner, finishing with 132 points, one point better than Atascocista.

Southlake Carroll won state with 65 and The Woodlands was second with 96 points.

“The race goes on, the results come in and I see that we tied for third but lost the tiebreaker,” said Eastwood coach Mike McLain. “We’re in the tent taking pictures with the girls and someone from MileSplit said ‘congratulations, they redid the results and you finished third.’ We had no idea what was happening, so we get on our phones and it still shows us at fourth.”

McLain went to the medal stand and asked someone there and they didn’t know what was going on either. McLain walked over to the UIL tent to speak with an official who told him to go another tent where there was a monitor showing rolling results.

“It showed us in third by one point,” McLain said. “I asked someone there and he told me to go back to the medal stand, which is where we started, to find out.”

They finally got a hold of the official timer who said they went through the camera finish and reversed a couple of things and Eastwood finished third.

“Two of our top runners were sick so coming into the race we knew a third-place finish was probably the best we could do, so that was pretty nice,” McLain said. “We knew medaling for five straight years at state would be historic for El Paso. We’ll celebrate this, and hopefully we can get those two boys feeling better and go after it again at Nike South.”

Eastwood senior Andres Gurrola was the top Trooper runner, finishing 12th in 15:28.6.

Seniors Andres Gurrola and Isaac Mendoza had top 20 finishes to lead Eastwood – Gurrola 12^th in 15:28.6 and Isaac Mendoza, 17^th in 15:37.8. Sophomore Jacob Beckett was 37^th in 15:54.6 followed by senior Victor Anchondo (46^th, 15:58.5), senior Devon Paez (108^th, 16:44.6) and juniors Anthony Casillas (120^th, 16:56.1) and Joaquin Chavez (148^th, 17:51.1).

“It was a roller coaster of emotions,” Gurrola said. “Regardless of the place we were going to get, we were all proud of the effort that we put in because we all know how hard we worked this season.”

Eastwood ran in its eighth consecutive state meet and its ninth in the past 10 years.

“This culture was built way before I came in,” Gurrola said. “As soon as I came in my freshman year, a light went on in my head. Watching the seniors and seeing the team succeed my freshman year and being able to go to NXN changed my mindset and inspired me.”

Austin Vandegrift junior Kevin Sanchez won the individual title in 14:53.4. Pebble Hills junior Omer Ibrahim was eighth in 15:17.3 and Coronado junior Luis Pastor was tenth in 15:19.9 – both earning All-State honors.

Pebble Hills junior Omer Ibrahim was eighth in 15:17.3 and Coronado junior Luis Pastor was tenth in 15:19.9 – both earning Class 6A All-State honors.

“It was exciting and nerve racking but overall it was a great experience with great competition, and I really loved the flat course,” Ibrahim said. “I felt strong and good once the race got started but before the race I was wondering how it would go down so that got me a little nervous.”

Ibrahim said he didn’t feel too overwhelmed at his first state championship.

“I’m really excited about what I did; I really feel good about myself,” he said. “I did what I had to do, and I was able to get it done.”

Pastor said his first state championship was “roller coaster of emotions.”

“I would feel nervous for one second and then the next minute I was feeling good ready to compete,” he said. “Once the gun went off, I was trying to stick with my strategy. Usually, I like to run from the front because even if I died out, it wouldn’t matter because I would be so far ahead of everyone. But at regionals and state, I ran from the back and picked off one guy, one pack, at a time.”

Americas senior Jared Laverty was 45^th in 15:58.4 and teammate Carmelo Corral was 71^st in 16:17.8.

Eastwood freshman Adelynn Rodriguez earned Class 6A All-State honors after finishing seventh in 17:49.2

On the girl’s side, Eastwood freshman Adelynn Rodriguez and senior Lauren Walls-Portillo earned All-State honors.

It is the first time a pair of Eastwood teammates finished in the top 10.

Rodriguez was seventh in 17:49.2 and Walls-Portillo was tenth in 18:10.3.

“It’s really crazy, I honestly wasn’t expecting this,” Rodriguez said. “I just wanted to go out there and run my best race of the season.”

Rodriguez credits Walls-Portillo for her continued support throughout her first high school season.

“She is really special to me,” she said. “I never had a female teammate as fast as me so coming into Eastwood and seeing that I could run with Lauren was a big deal for me because of what she has accomplished in her four years. She has inspired me to do the same thing in my four years.”

Eastwood senior Lauren Walls-Portillo earned Class 6A All-State honors, placing 10th in her final state championship.

Walls-Portillo, who ran in her fourth state meet, said is relieved she is leaving the Eastwood girl’s program in good hands.

“It feels really good knowing that she is going continue to keep the Eastwood tradition alive,” Walls-Portillo said. “It really comforts me to know that our girl’s team will have someone leading them next year.”

Lewisville Flower Mound senior Natalie Cook won the event in 16:32.4. Franklin junior Alyssa Laspada was 62^nd in 19:08.1.

McLain said it was great to see two Eastwood girls receiving state medals around their necks. “This was one of the strongest years in our state for the girls,” McLain said. “The Woodlands and Flower Mound are killing it; Southlake Carroll was up there killing it against some of the best teams in the nation and they end fourth and they are one of the best teams in the nation.”

Tornillo’s Angel Torres comes back for silver medal performance

Tornillo junior Angel Torres and Poth High senior Wyatt Hoover provided the most exciting finish in recent memory on the first day of the UIL Texas State Cross Country Championship.

Both runners finished the 3.1 mile race at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock in 15:57.4, however, a photo finish showed Hoover nipping Torres at the end to win the Class 3A individual title.

Amarillo River Road senior Crawford Kiser was third in 16:00.3.

“I honestly didn’t think I would catch him at the end,” Torres said. “The three of us pulled away and then I got complacent, I was going to be OK with third. But then I saw Crawford getting tired and I thought ‘OK, I can get second – I’ll take second.’ At the kick, I saw Wyatt slow down and I thought, ‘Oh, maybe I can win it’ and I started kicking but he turned and saw me and started kicking again.”

Tornillo junior Angel Torres earned a silver medal at the Class 3A UIL Texas State Cross Country Championship.

What makes this story even more amazing is the fact that Torres was the last runner to qualify at regionals where finished 14^th.

“I had a really bad regional race, it was so bad I had to walk up the second hill,” he said. “One of the Presidio guys tapped me on my shoulder and said, “come on, let’s go,’ so I started going with him so if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have made it to state.”

Torres improved on his sixth place All State performance from last year. His second-place finish is the best in school history at the state meet.

Teammate, sophomore Daniel Romero, was 26^th in 16:56.3.

This is how close the finish of the Class 3A race was.

Tornillo’s girls team had a respectable showing at its first state championship, finishing eleventh.

Holliday won the team title with 39 points followed by Lorena with 87 and Poth with 135 points.

“I am so proud of what they accomplished,” Tornillo coach Jesse Garcia said. “The season was a great success. Six weeks ago we didn’t have a team so the fact that we are here is a testament to the hard work these girls put in for each other. They had to overcome adversity all season, but they believed in something that was practically impossible.”

Junior Kylene Elias led the way, finishing the two-mile course 51^st in 12:56.2 followed by junior Brianna Ibarra (85^th, 13:19.4), senior Wendy Garcia (87^th, 13:21.7), sophomore Nataly Escajeda (99th, 13:29.8), senior Olivia Garcia (117^th, 13:50.2) and senior Abetsi Blanco (144th, 14:52.2).

Holliday senior Hannah Spears won the event in 11:34.9.

The state’s top three runners in Class 3A – Tornillo junior Angel Torres, Poth High senior Wyatt Hoover and Amarillo River Road Crawford Kiser.

There were no medal ceremonies for El Paso’s four Class 5A participants.

In the boy’s race, Hanks junior Alejandro Tarin was 27^th in 16:05.6 and senior Gael Alvarado was 51^st in 16:30.8.

Grapevine’s Walker St. John won the event in 15:06.6. Grapevine won the team title as well with 53 points.

Burges senior Pamela Ramirez finished in 68^th place in 19:37.3 and Jefferson senior Crystal Peterson was 76^th in 19:41.5.

Canyon Randall senior Cameron McConnell won the event in 17:15.4 Lucas Lovejoy win the team title with 65 points.

On Saturday, San Elizario’s boys look to defend its Class 4A state title and Eastwood’s boys are going after its fifth consecutive medal at the state meet.