El Paso girl’s cross country – Page 6

District roundup: Several championship streaks continue

Who advanced?

The top three teams from each district and the top 10 individuals make it to the Region 1 Cross Country Championships, Oct. 25 in Lubbock.

The following teams and runners have advanced:

Boys

Class 6A: Eastwood, Americas and Franklin. Also, Omer Ibrahim, Pebble Hills; Israel David, Eastlake; Luis Pastor, Coronado and Sam Breceda, Coronado.

Class 5A: Burges, Horizon, El Paso High, Hanks, Chapin. Bel Air. Also, Michael Castorena, Parkland; Efren Moncada, Parkland; Isai Barajas, Ysleta; Venancio Calderon, El Dorado and Omar Rivera, Canutillo

Class 4A: San Elizario, Riverside, Valle Verde Early College.

Class 3A: Tornillo.

Girls

Class 6A: Franklin, Eastwood, Coronado. Also, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood; Alexa Rangel, Montwood; Lexee Salas, Americas and Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills.

Class 5A: Jefferson, Del Valle,Burges, Canutillo, El Paso High and Hanks. Also, Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin; Sarah Lopez Touchy, Ysleta; Jaylee Levario, Bel Air; Abigail Murillo, Bel Air.

Class 4A: San Elizario, Riverside and Young Women’s Leadership Academy. Also, Madelaine Estrada, Mt. View and Ileana Maldonado, Clint.

Class 3A: Tornillo.

Several district championship win streaks in 4A, 5A and 6A continued for several teams on a crisp Saturday morning at Vista Hills Country Club.

The Eastwood boys won its 11^th straight district championship and the Franklin girls won its fourth in 1-6A; the Burges boys won its fifth in 1-5A; the Jefferson girls won its fourth 1-5A title in a row and the San Elizario boys pulled off its eighth consecutive district title in 1-4A.

Also, Hanks senior Gael Alvarado defended his District 2-5A championship and in doing so, ran the Knights streak of eight individual titles.

The top three teams and top 10 individuals from each district will advance to the Region 1 Cross Country Championship, Oct. 25.

Here are some highlights from Saturday’s races.

District 1-6A

The Troopers had three runners in the top 10 – Isaac Mendoza (fourth, 16:53.39), Andres Gurrola (fifth, 17:03.60) and Devon Paez (seventh, 17:30.92) – to win its 11^th district championship in a row with 43 points.

Americas – led by seniors Jared Laverty (sixth, 17:20.98) and Carmelo Corral (tenth, 17:38.73) was second with 71 points and Franklin was third with 75 points. Junior Diego Flores was the low-point man for Franklin, finishing eighth in 17:34.67.

“We had a really hard week of workouts,” said Eastwood coach Mike McLain. “The goal really wasn’t to run well today (Saturday), our goal is to run well next week (regionals) and the week after (state) so I wasn’t expecting them to look great today.”

Eastwood is also on an 11-year unbeaten streak in El Paso.

“No team, in any sport, has done what these guys have done,” McLain said. “This is national-caliber team; and they had a tough task this year. We only one of our top five guys come back from last year. They really shouldn’t be doing what they’re doing.”

Pebble Hills’ Omer Ibrahim won the individual championship for the first time. He won in a time of 16:14.28. Eastlake’s Israel David was second (16:20.88) and Coronado’s Luis Pastor was third (16:30.12).

Pebble Hills’ Omer Ibrahim won the individual championship District 1-6A followed Eastlake’s Israel David Coronado’s Luis Pastor was third. This is photo from the Del Valle Invitational.

“It was lot of fun,” Ibrahim said. “It was a strong race, my best race so far actually. There as strong competition. No one really took control of the race until the end. It was one of the most fun and competitive races I’ve been in.”

The Franklin girls had three runners in the top 10 – Alyssa Laspada (third, 20:19.80), Jordan Torres (fourth, 20:47.72) and Sofia Camacho (sixth, 21:03.75) – for 35 points and its fourth straight district crown.

Eastwood was second with 45 points and Coronado was third with 83 points.

“When kids put this much effort in and when they buy in, you’ll definitely have a good outcome,” Franklin coach Anthony Laspada said. “I’m really proud of what the girls have done without Eva (Jess) and Ally (Little). We had kids who stepped it up this year and filled in for one another.”

Jess and Little were the top two runners for Franklin last year. Both are now on scholarship at the University of Texas at Austin.

“The girls are so close and so tightly bonded, it really does make a difference,” Laspada said. “They really believed in each other and they went out and did it. I’m so proud of them.”

Eastwood took the top two individual spots with senior Lauren Walls-Portillo winning her first district title in 19:22.89 and freshman Adelynn Rodriguez finished second in 19:38.28.

“Of course my goal and expectation is to win, but I also wanted to get ahead so I could pull my team with me so they could see where I was so I could drive them to go up with me,” Walls-Portillo said.

Walls-Portillo was also happy for her freshman teammate.

“We are a lot alike,” Walls-Portillo said. “We have the motivation and the well to drive and push for our team. We are determined to work hard to make our team better. I want her to be bigger and better than me.”

District 1-5A

The Jefferson girls and Burges boys each added another district championship to their respective trophy cases – the fourth in a row for Jefferson and Burges’ fifth consecutive.

Jefferson’s girls scored 26 points placing four runners in the top six positions – Crystal Peterson (second, 21:30.21), Monique Correa (third, 21:58.13), Camila Prieto, (fourth, 22:18.22) and Sofia Hernandez (sixth, 22:52.86).

Burges was second with 45 points and El Paso High was third with 66 points.

Burges senior Pamela Ramirez won the district championship in 20:47.09.

“Being able to train a full year really helped,” said Ramirez, who was district runner-up last year despite not competing in any pre-district meets. “Going to practice every day made me stronger and faster. Last year my best time was 19:37, this year it was 18:15 so that’s a big improvement.”

The Burges boys easily defended its fifth consecutive district championship scoring 28 points.

El Paso High was second with 49 points and Chapin was third with 64 points.

Burges took four of the top six spots including the first two with senior Julian Maldonado winning his first district championship in 18:17.19 followed bysenior David Herrera (18:29.97). Junior was fifth in Matthew Guerra (18:56.09) and senior Aaron Gomez was sixth in 18:57.39.

“That was a really tough race,” Maldonado said. “We started hill training early in the season because we knew that it would be important for the courses we would see at districts and regionals. Last year’s seniors told us we had to keep this tradition going, so winning another district championship is a big deal for us.”

The Horizon boys won its first district title since 2008

District 2-5A

The boys and girls team results in District 2-5A had the most intrigue with two surprise champions – the Del Valle girls and the Horizon boys.

Del Valle won for the first time since 2010 by placing three runners in the top six – junior Valeria Loo-Kung (second, 21:57.39), senior Anisa Sanchez (third, 22:13.11) and senior Disany Sandoval (sixth, 22:22.26).

Canutillo was second with 51 points and Hanks was third with 60 points.

The Horizon boys won its first district title since 2008, scoring 68 points.

Hanks was second with 73 points and Bel Air was third with 86 points.

The Scorpions had three senior runners in the top 10 – Juan Linares (fifth, 18:41.57), Yahir Barrios (ninth, 19:03.22) and Santiago Cadena (10^th, 19:05.45). Four of the seven are first-time runners.

What wasn’t surprising were the individual winners – Hanks senior Mia Rivera and Hanks senior Gael Alvarado who defending his title in 17:44.39.

Junior teammate Alejandro Tarin was second in 17:44.39 and Parkland junior Michael Castorena was third in 18:11.29.

“It feels very surreal,” Alvarado said of his back-to-back district titles. “Winning it last year wasn’t a huge deal but this year I had a lot of pressure so it feels awesome to win it back to back.”

Alvarado is the eighth consecutive Knight to win the individual title.

“It’s crazy,” he said. “It would be nice to continue the streak even longer. I know my teammates Alex (Tarin) will continue it next year, I have no doubt about that.”

Rivera won her first district championship in 21:47.43.

“This is all new to me,” Rivera said of being district champ. “Coming into my senior year I just wanted to enjoy my last season of cross country and go with the flow, and I ended up coming on top so that’s pretty crazy.”

Del Valle won district for the first time since 2010.

District 1-4A

San Elizario swept the boys and girls district championships.

It was the eighth District 1-4A for the boys – the defending Class 4A state champions.

“I still get nervous,” said Cesar Morales, San Elizario’s head coach. “Our goals never change and district is the first step before we can move forward. We knew Riverside is a great team and they’ve been very close to us the entire season in both the boys and girls so we knew we had to run well.”

The Eagle were dominate, scoring 22 points and placing six runners in the top 10 including district champ junior Chris Moreno who won in 16:55.51.

Junior Matthew Maese was third in 17:42.97, sophomore Angel Maese was fifth in 18:04.93, senior Irvin Vazquez was sixth in 18:11.71, senior Alan Ceballos was seventh (18:19.42) and seniorJorge Maese was eighth 18:56.83.

The defending Class 4A state champions won its eighth district championship and are headed to regionals.

Riverside seniors Andrew Valdiviezo was second in 16:58.27 and Jayden Bustillos was fourth in 17:46.05. Junior Kevin Perez was ninth in 19:03.93 as the Rangers finished second with 37 points.

“It was a tough race,” Moreno said. “Andrew is a great runner and he pushed me to run my best. “It was a different course this year with more hills, but it was a race which will help me get ready for regionals and hopefully state.”

Moreno becomes the fifth straight San Elizario runner to win district. Texas runners Edwin Gomez won the past four years.

“He taught me to keep pushing and to never give up,” he said. “He told me to do whatever coach (Morales) says to do and never give up. Being a runner is not easy. We have to wake up at 6 a.m. every day to workout – it doesn’t matter if it’s hot or cold, you need to practice every day and do what you need to do to be better.”

Valle Verde Early College was third with 99 points.

The San Elizario girls won its first district championship since 2018.

The San Elizario girls took four of the top 10 spots to win with 29 points followed by Riverside (39) and Young Women’s Leadership Academy with 66 points.

It was the Eagles first district championship since 2018.

Eagle senior Samantha Ramirez was first on the 2-mile course in 13:13.42 followed by sophomore teammate Katelyn Montoya(13:57.14),sophomoreOsmary Vazquez was fifth in 14:45.79, and senior Ashley Hernandez was 10^th in 15:03.62.

“I’m really proud of my run, but I feel like I could have given a little more,” Ramirez said. “I’ve been working really hard to get to this point but this year was different. People say, ‘last one, best one,’ so I thought to myself I had to give it my all this year.”

Mt. View juniorMadelaine Estrada was third in 14:04.29.

District 4-3A

What an eventful day Thursday was for Tornillo.

Junior Angel Torres and sophomore Daniel Romero finished 1-2 in the district and the girl’s won the Cotton Valley school’s first girl’s District 4-3A cross country championship

Torres won the individual title in 16:50. And Romero was second in 17.21. The team finished second with 54 points. Presidio won the district with 30 points and Alpine was third with 67.

Last year, the girl’s fell seven points short of winning its first district championship in school history.

Not this year.

Tornillo won its first girl’s District 4-3A cross country championship in school history.

Behind two-time defending champion, junior Kylene Elias, the Coyotes dominated, scoring 19 points. Elias won her third title, racing the 2-mile course in 12:45 followed by senior Olivia Garcia (13:07).

Presidio was second with 49 points followed by Kermit’s 70.

Districts begin Thursday at Tornillo; continue Saturday at Vista Hills CC

Make Plans

What: District Cross Country Championship.

When: 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14. District 4-3A at Tornillo High School (girls, then boys); 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16. Rolling schedule (girls first, then boys) – District 1-4A, District 1-5A, District 2-5A, District 1-6A.

Where: Vista Hills Country Club.

At Stake: Top three teams and top 10 individuals make it to the Region 1 Cross Country Championship, 8 a.m. Monday, Oct. 25 at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock.

There are many compelling storylines heading in to Saturday’s district cross country championships including:

Will the Eastwood boys chase down its 11^th straight district championship – and continue its 11-year unbeaten streak in El Paso?

Will the Burges Mustangs win its fifth consecutive boy’s District 1-5A title?

Hanks is seeking its eighth individual title – will senior Gael Alvarado defend his championship?

The San Elizario boys are racing for its eighth consecutive district championship at the Class 4A level, will they be able to pull it off?

Will the Franklin girls win its fourth consecutive District 1-6A team title?

How about Jefferson senior Crystal Peterson going after her fourth District 1-5A championship?

These questions will be answered at the district cross country championships at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Vista Hills Country Club.

The top three teams and top 10 individuals from each district will advance to the Region 1 Cross Country Championship, Oct. 25. Last year, because of the coronavirus pandemic, only two teams qualified to regionals.

Here is a breakdown of the boy’s and girl’s district races.

Championship season is upon us. Who’s ready to take the next step? We’ll find out this weekend!

BOYS

District 1-6A

2020 District Champion: Eastwood.

2020 Individual District Champion: Israel David, Eastlake.

2020 Regional qualifiers: Eastwood and Americas.

The Eastwood Troopers hope two competitive out-of-town invitationals – Woodbridge (Calif.) Classic and Desert Twilight, the Nike Pre-Southwest Regional meet in Queen Creek Ariz. – have prepared them for championship season.

Seeking its 11^th straight district championship, the Troopers are led by seniors Andres Gurrola, Isaac Mendoza, Devon Paez, Victor Anchondo and junior Joaquin Chavez – all top 10 runners in El Paso.

The Troopers are nationally recognized as well – garnering the attention of DyeState which ranks them third in the South Region and MileSplit which ranks Eastwood at No. 22 in the nation.

Americas, behind seniors Jared Laverty and Carmelo Corral, pose the biggest threat to Eastwood. Franklin, behind juniors Diego Flores and Austen Percifull and Coronado – with juniors Luis Pastor and Sam Flores – will fight it out for the third and final qualifying spot to regionals.

The individual race could be the closest – and fastest – in memory.

Eastlake senior Israel David looks to defend his title with heavy competition from Pebble Hills junior Omer Ibrahim, Coronado’s Pastor, Americas’ Laverty and Gurrola and Mendoza from Eastwood. This is anybody’s race.

District 1-5A

2020 District Champion: Burges.

2020 Individual District Champion: Joaquin Ortega, Chapin.

2020 Regional qualifiers: Burges and El Paso High.

The Burges Mustangs are chasing its fifth consecutive boy’s district championship. Seniors Julian Maldonado and David Herrera will be depended on heavily in order to make that happen.

David Ramirez and Leo Valenzuela look to help El Paso High return to the Region 1-5A championship. The third and final spot to regionals will be a toss up between Chapin, which is led by sophomores Seth Truax and Dauntae Herrera and Jefferson led by junior Isaac Ortega and sophomore Francisco Reyes.

The individual title should come down to Truax, Herrera or Maldonado.

Chapin sophomore Seth Truax has had a solid year and looks primed to compete for a spot to the Region 1-5A championship.

District 2-5A

2020 District Champion: Hanks.

2020 Individual District Champion: Gael Alvarado, Hanks.

2020 Regional qualifiers: Hanks and Bel Air.

Hanks won the district championship in 2020 for the first time since the 1990s. The team shouldn’t have to wait another two decades for another one.

The team is led by senior and defending district champion senior Gael Alvarado and junior Alejandro Tarin.

The Knights biggest challenge will come from Bel Air which is led by junior William Potter and senior Hector Garcia. Watch for Horizon seniors Yahir Barrios and Juan Linares to make a push for a spot to regionals along with Del Valle which has been led by seniors Kevin Rivera and Omar Salais for much of the season.

The individual title will be a race between Hank’s teammates Alvarado and Tarin.

District 1-4A

2020 District Champion: San Elizario.

2020 Individual District Champion: Edwin Gomez, San Elizario.

2020 Regional qualifiers: San Elizario and Riverside.

An eighth district championship for San Elizario is within reach – but it could be the Eagles toughest team race to date with Riverside nipping at their heels.

San Elizario junior Chris Moreno and seniors Alan Ceballos and Irvin Vazquez and brothers Matthew Maese (junior) and sophomore Angel Maese have been consistent all season.

Riverside counters with seniors Andrew Valdiviezo and new comer Jayden Bustillos.

Moreno and Valdiviezo will fight it out for the district individual crown.

The last spot to regionals will come down to Clint, Mt. View or Fabens.

District 4-3A

2020 District Champion: Presidio.

2020 Individual District Champion: Emilio Rios, Presidio.

2020 Regional qualifiers: Presidio and Tornillo.

The Coyotes could potentially have two of the top 5 Class 3A runners in the state in sophomore Daniel Romero and junior Angel Torres.

Both should easily qualify for the Region 1-3A Championship. The big question is, will they take a team with them?

In any other year – with top-tier runners such as Romero and Torres leading the way – Tornillo would be the odds-on favorite to finally win its first state championship. But unlike other years, the Cotton Valley school seriously lacks depth which could put the school’s streak of 13 years qualifying to regionals at risk.

Romero and Torres are the favorites to win individual titles but must watch for Presidio sophomore Eddie Flores, who finished fourth at last year’s district championship.

Girls

District 1-6A

2020 District Champion: Franklin.

2020 Individual District Champion: Eva Jess, Franklin.

2020 Regional qualifiers: Franklin and Montwood.

The Franklin girls are going after its fourth consecutive District 1-6A team title.

Junior Alyssa Laspada, seniors Jenna Saunders, Abby Barraza and Jordan Torres and junior Sofia Camacho make up solid five.

Eastwood counters with senior Lauren Walls-Portillo and freshman Adelynn Rodriguez who are the state’s fourth-ranked 1-2 punch and third in Region 1-6A. Juniors Salma Licon and Sophia Watts and senior Adalia Olmos all have top 15 times in the city.

The team championship will come down to the placement of the 4-5-6-7 runners for each school.

Montwood, the district runner-up last year, are led by juniors Kassandra Jimemez and Jazmine Miranda and senior Alexa Rangel. The struggle for the Rams is consistency in the 4-7 runners. With the top three girls, the Rams should have enough for another Region 1-6A appearance.

There are several individual runners who could claim a top 10 spot and a trip to regionals.

One thing is for sure, there will be a new individual champion as Franklin alumni and four-time district champion Eva Jess is now competing at Texas. It could come down to Walls-Portillo, Rodriguez and Laspada.

Other runners who could crack the top 10 and advance include Pebble Hills junior Natalia Martinez, Socorro senior Ana Rojas, Americas freshman Lexee Salas and Coronado sophomore Alexa Lawrence and junior Kyra Walker.

District 1-5A

2020 District Champion: Jefferson.

2020 Individual District Champion: Crystal Peterson, Jefferson.

2020 Regional qualifiers: Jefferson and El Paso High.

Jefferson senior Crystal Peterson is going after her fourth District 1-5A championship and a back-to-back team title for the Foxes. Peterson and classmate Monique Correa have led the Foxes the entire season with seniors Camila Prieto, Sofia Hernandez and Jelia Lugo rounding out the top 5.

El Paso High and Burges will battle for runner-up honors with both having legitimate opportunities to advance to regionals.

The Tigers – with sophomores Andrea Castillo and Sofia Ramirez and junior Jezarae Valenzuela – are a little deeper than the Mustangs but at a district race, anything goes.

Burges senior Pamela Ramirez leads the Mustangs and should contend for individual honors against Peterson and Correa. Austin senior Elizabeth Hernandez could also finish in the top 10 and advance to regionals.

District 2-5A

2020 District Champion: Bel Air.

2020 Individual District Champion: Angie Marrufo-Lujan, Parkland.

2020 Regional qualifiers: Bel Air and Canutillo.

This could be the most wide-open team race of the district championship races with no-clear cut favorite.

Canutillo and Del Valle have been improving every week, Hanks has been steady and consistent but you can’t sleep on defending champion Bel Air.

Eagles junior Natalie Rivera has emerged as one of the top 10 runners in the city. Juniors Dania Cano and Jennifer Najar and freshmen Arania Castaneda and Mia Covarrubio round out Canutillo’s top five.

Del Valle counters with two top 25 runners – junior Valeria Loo-Kung and senior Anisa Sanchez. From there, the Conquistadores struggle with depth. Senior Bianca Parker, top 10 sprinter in track field, sophomore Bobbi Guillen and senior Anahi Lara are working their hardest to move up a few spots.

Hanks’ seniors Mia Rivera and Madison Spencer and freshman Elizabeth Aguirre should be enough to get the Knights to regionals.

Seniors Abigail Murillo and Jaylee Levario will need plenty of help in order to get Bel Air a return team visit to regionals.

The individual race could be the most entertaining of the district meets with Canutillo’s Natalie Rivera going head-to-head with Hanks’ Mia Rivera and Bel Air’s Abigail Murillo and Levario.

District 1-4A

2020 District Champion: Clint.

2020 Individual District Champion: Kayhla Talavera, Mt. View.

2020 Regional qualifiers: Clint and San Elizario.

San Elizario had an impressive showing at the District Preview on September 18 at Vista Hills.

Senior Samantha Ramirez won the two-mile event boosting the Eagles to a team championship. Sophomores Katelyn Montoya and Osmary Vazquez and Ximena Holguin all had top 10 finishes.

Riverside could contend for the title if seniors Marcela Hernandez and Lauren Perez get some help from sophomore Hillary Hernandez and senior Daniela Luna who need strong races.

The final spot to regionals will come down to Clint and Mt. View who are pretty even.

Mt. View does have senior Madeline Estrada, one of the top runners in the district. Clint’s top runners are freshman Ileana Maldonado and seniors Natalie Frausto and Jessica Herrera.

San Elizario’s Ramirez and Mt. View’s Estrada will make for a great two-mile duel.

District 4-3A

2020 District Champion: Presidio.

2020 Individual District Champion: Kylene Elias, Tornillo.

2020 Regional qualifiers: Presidio and Tornillo.

The Coyotes fell seven points short of winning its first district championship in school history.

With Kylene Elias, the two-time defending district champion, returning to an already strong team, Tornillo has a legitimate shot.

Along with Elias, sophomore Nataly Escajeda, junior Brianna Ibarra and seniors Olivia Garcia and Abetsi Blanco hope to bring home a golden trophy to the Cotton Valley.

High School Girl’s XC Poll: Week 8

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

The system is as follows: In a race of less than 150 runners, first place gets 10 points, second gets 9 points all the way down to 10th place which gets 1 point. For meets with between 150 to 300 runners, double points will be rewarded meaning 20 points for first, 19 for second all the way down to 1 point for 20th. For every additional 150 runners, another 10 runners will be included in the points.

For those who like raw times, we also list the Top 25 girls race times and the meets and dates that they occurred.

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

This week’s schedule

EPISD Invitational: 8 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 9 at Don Haskins Recreation Center. Franklin, Irvin, Andress, Jefferson, Chapin, Montwood, El Dorado, Eastlake, Santa Teresa, Tornillo, Loretto, San Elizario, Harmony, Cathedral, Anthony, Canutillo.

With 10 days until the district championships, many of the top individual runners will not race this week. However, for some teams, Saturday’s race will determine the 5-7 runners who will compete at district.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: After two consecutive weeks of competitive out-of-town races, the Troopers did not run on Saturday. The team will prepare for the District 1-6A championship Oct. 16 at Vista Hills Country Club.

2. Franklin: The Cougars easily won the Dale Reinhardt Invitational with 17 points. Franklin runners took the top four spots led by junior Alyssa Laspada who picked up her second individual title in 18:58.39, followed by senior Jenna Saunders (19:22.86, a season best), senior Abby Barraza (19:44.17) and senior Jordan Torres (19:48.52). Sofia Camacho was seventh in 20:17.42. Franklin will race some of its varsity runners at the EPISD Invitationalat the Don Haskins Recreation Center on Saturday.

3. Montwood: The Rams did not run a full team at Nike South in The Woodlands on Saturday. Junior Kassandra Jimenez had the best El Paso time turning in a 17:33.6 in the “elite” division on the wet and muddy 2.8 mile course. The team will prepare for the District 1-6A championship Oct. 16 at Vista Hills Country Club.

4. Pebble Hills: The Spartans finished seventh at Nike South in The Woodlands with 205 points. Pebble Hills had two runners finish in the “regular” varsity division – junior Natalia Martinez was 11^th in 18:16,4 and junior Carolina Zarrabal was 17^th in 18:29.1 (2.8 miles). Pebble Hills will prepare for the District 1-6A championship Oct. 16 at Vista Hills Country Club.

5. Coronado: The T-Birds finished second at the Dale Reinhardt Invitational with 62 points. Coronado had two runners – sophomore Alexa Lawrence (8^th, 20:20.05) and junior Kyra Walker (9^th, 20:22.74) – in the top 10. Coronado will prepare for the District 1-6A championship at Vista Hills Country Club on Oct. 16.

6. Jefferson: The Foxes had a third-place finish at the Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex on Saturday. Jefferson scored 69 points on the strength of Crystal Peterson (fifth, 20:02.02) and Monique Correa (sixth, 20:06.17) – both season-best times. Jefferson is scheduled to run the EPISD Invitationalat the Don Haskins Recreation Center on Saturday.

7. Canutillo: The Eagles won the Clint/Fabens Invitational with 25 points. Canutillo had four runners in the top 10 including winner Natalie Rivera who turned in a season best 18:52.86, Dania Cano (sixth, 20:52.13), Jennifer Najar (seventh, 20:57.58) and Ivy Lara (10th, 21:12.07). This was Rivera’s second individual win of the season. Canutillo is scheduled to run the EPISD Invitationalat the Don Haskins Recreation Center on Saturday.

8. Hanks: The did not race on Saturday. The team will prepare for the District 2-5A championship Oct. 16 at Vista Hills Country Club.

9. Americas: The Trailblazers finished 16^thout of 30 teams in the “regular” varsity division at Nike South in The Woodland. Freshman Lexee Salas was 35^th out of 256 runners in 18:51.9. The team will now prepare for the District 1-6A championship Oct. 16 at Vista Hills Country Club.

10. Del Valle: The Conquistadores return to the top 10 after its second-place finish at the Clint/Fabens Invitational with 45 points. Valeria Loo-Kung was second in 20:04.76 and Anisa Sanchez was fifth in 20:47.71. The team is preparing for the District 2-5A championship Oct. 16 at Vista Hills Country Club.

Dropped out: Eastlake.

On the brink: Burges, El Paso High.

Canutillo’s Natalie Rivera turned in a season best 18:52.86 at the Clint/Fabens Invitational – a top five time in El Paso.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 17:17.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

2, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 17:20.1 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

3, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 18:28.29 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11)

4, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 18:30.07 (Southlake, 8/28).

5, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 18:52.86 (Clint, 10/2).

6, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 18:59.11 (Del Valle, 8/28).

7, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19:07.10 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

8, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 19:08.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

9, Salma Licon, Eastwood, 19:10.4 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

10, Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 19:11.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

11, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19:22.86 (SAC, 10/2).

12, Abby Barraza, Franklin, 19:25.63 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

13, Ana Rojas, Socorro, 19:38.94 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

14, Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 19:41.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

15, Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 19:51.64 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

16, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 19:53.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

17, Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 19:57.39 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

18, Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 19:57.84 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

19, Kyra Walker, Coronado, 19:58.38 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

20, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 19:58.92 (Del Valle, 8/28).

21, Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 20:02.02 (SAC, 10/2).

22, Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 20:03.13 (Canutillo, 8/21).

23, Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 20:03.35 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

24, Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 20:04.76 (Clint, 10/2).

25, Monique Correa, Jefferson, 20:06.17 (SAC, 10/2).

Del Valle’s Valeria Loo-Kung was second at the Clint/Fabens Invitational in 20:04.76. She has the 24th fastest time in the city.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 54 (2).

2, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 44 (2).

3, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 44 (2).

4, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 43 (2).

5, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 42 (1).

5, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 42.

7, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 40 (1).

7, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 40.

7, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 40 (1).

10, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 36 (1).

Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 32.

Monique Correa, Jefferson, 31.

Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 31.

Abby Barraza, Franklin, 29.

Samantha Ramirez, San Elizario, 23 (1).

Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 23.

Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 22.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 16.

Disany Sandoval, Del Valle, 15.

Andrea Castillo, El Paso High, 13.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 13.

Dania Cano, Canutillo, 12.

Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 11.

Ana Rojas, Socorro, 11.

Katelyn Montoya, San Elizario, 11.

Madelyn Estrada, Mt. View, 9.

Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin, 8.

Kylene Elias, Tornillo, 8.

Sofia Ramirez, El Paso High, 8.

Lexee Salas, Americas, 7.

Marcela Hernandez, Riverside, 6.

Olivia Garcia, Tornillo, 6.

Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 6.

Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 5.

Jennifer Najar, Canutillo, 5.

Natalie Franco, Pebble Hills, 4.

Osmary Vazquez, San Elizario, 4.

Jaylee Levario, Bel Air, 4.

Kyra Walker, Coronado, 4.

Allison Perez, Coronado, 3.

Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 3.

Salma Licon, Eastwood, 3.

Jeanette Rivera, YWLA, 3.

Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 2.

Jezarae Valenzuela, El Paso, 2.

Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 2.

Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 2.

Lauren Perez, Riverside, 2.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 1.

Ximena Holguin, San Elizario, 1.

Ivy Lara, Canutillo, 1.

High School Girl’s XC Poll: Week 7

Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top girls 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.

This week’s schedule

Clint/Fabens Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at Clint High School. Burges, El Paso, Austin, Bowie, El Dorado, Riverside, Del Valle, Parkland, YWLA, Clint, Fabens, Mt.View, Horizon, , Santa Teresa, Tornillo, Loretto, San Elizario, Canutillo , Harmony, Cathedral.

Las Cruces Invite: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at Las Cruces High. Irvin.

Dale Reinhardt Invite: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex. Franklin, Coronado, Jefferson, Chapin, Socorro, Eastwood, Valle Verde, Ysleta, Hanks, Bel Air, Ft Hancock, Anthony.

Nike South: 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 2 at The Woodlands. Eastlake, Pebble Hills, Americas, Montwood.

There are three weeks left before districts! It’s going to be a fun one!

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers placed 14^th in the “Sweepstakes” division at Desert Twilight, the Nike Pre-Southwest Regional meet in Queen Creek Arizona on Friday night. Eastwood had two runners in the top 25 – senior Lauren Walls-Portillo (16^th, 17:47.10) and freshman Adelynn Rodriguez (22^nd, 17:56.50 – in the 187-runner, 23-team race. The team is scheduled to compete at the Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex.

2. Franklin: The Cougars won the Rob Winter Classic in Las Cruces with 25 points. Franklin had all five scoring runners place in the top 8. Junior Alyssa Laspada was second in 18:33.46, senior Jenna Saunders third (19:25.00) senior Jordan Torres, was fifth in 19:40.37 and seniors Abby Barraza (seventh, 20:04.03) and Sofia Camacho (eighth, 20:17.35) round out the top five for Franklin. The team’s 1-5 split was 1:43. The Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex is next for the Cougars.

3. Montwood: The Rams finally put it all together and finished sixth in the 6A Division at the Lubbock Invitational with 149 points, moving them up two spots. Junior Kassandra Jimenez was the lone top 10 runner and top El Paso runner, placing sixth in 19:54.2. Senior Alexa Rangel (15^th, 20:43.8) and junior Jazmine Miranda (16^th, 20:47.1) had top 20 performances. Montwood will race at Nike South in The Woodlands on Saturday.

4. Pebble Hills: The Spartans finished seventh in the 6A Division at the Lubbock Invitational with 150 points, one point behind Montwood. Junior Natalia Martinez was 11^th in 20:31.3 to pace Pebble Hills. Sophomore Carolina Zarrabal was 22^nd in 21:24.3. Pebble Hills will race at Nike South in The Woodlands.

5. Coronado: The T-Birds finished third at the Rob Winter Classic in Las Cruces with 80 points. Coronado had two runners – sophomore Alexa Lawrence (9^th, 20:26.31) and junior Kyra Walker (10^th, 20:29.29) – in the top 10. Coronado will race at the Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex on Saturday.

6. Jefferson: The Foxes did not race on Saturday as the DaVinci Invitational was cancelled. The team will race at the Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex on Saturday.

7. Canutillo: The Eagles also did not race on Saturday because the DaVinci Invitational was cancelled. The team will race at the Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex on Saturday.

8. Eastlake: The Falcons did not race on Saturday because the DaVinci Invitational was cancelled. The team will travel to The Woodlands for Nike South.

9. Hanks: The Knights finished sixth in the Class 5A race at the Lubbock Invitational. Senior Mia Rivera was eighth in 20:14.5. Hanks will compete in the Dale Reinhardt Invitational at Socorro’s Student Activities Complex on Saturday.

10. Americas: The Trailblazers finished ninth in the Class 6A division of the Lubbock Invitational without its top runner – freshman Lexee Salas. Senior Isabelle Medina was 27^th in 21:37.1. The team will race Nike South in The Woodlands on Saturday.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: Del Valle, Burges, El Paso High.

Alex Rangel (left) and Jazmine Miranda have been solid 2-3 runners for Montwood all season.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 17:17.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

2, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 17:20.1 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

3, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 18:28.29 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11)

4, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 18:30.07 (Southlake, 8/28).

5, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 18:59.11 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19:07.10 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

7, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 19:08.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

8, Salma Licon, Eastwood, 19:10.4 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

9, Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 19:11.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

10, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19:25.00 (Las Cruces Organ, 9/25).

11, Abby Barraza, Franklin, 19:25.63 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

12, Ana Rojas, Socorro, 19:38.94 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

13, Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 19:41.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

14, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 19:45.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

15, Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 19:51.64 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

16, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 19:53.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

17, Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 19:57.39 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

18, Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 19:57.84 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

19, Kyra Walker, Coronado, 19:58.38 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

20, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 19:58.92 (Del Valle, 8/28).

21, Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 20:03.13 (Canutillo, 8/21).

22, Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 20:03.35 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

23, Banah Abdeljaber, Coronado, 20:11.1 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

24, Michele Paillard, Franklin, 20:16.4 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

25, Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 20:16.96 (Del Valle, 8/28).

Socorro’s Ana Rojas and Pebble Hills’ Natalie Franco will be looking to help their teams at the District 1-6A championship on Oct. 16 at Vista Hills Country Club.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 44 (2).

1, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 44 (1).

3, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 43 (2).

4, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 42 (1).

5, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 40 (1).

6, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 36 (1).

7, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 34 (1).

8, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 33.

8, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 33.

10, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 30 (1).

Monique Correa, Jefferson, 26.

Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 26.

Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 25.

Samantha Ramirez, San Elizario, 23 (1).

Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 23.

Abby Barraza, Franklin, 21.

Disany Sandoval, Del Valle, 15.

Andrea Castillo, El Paso High, 13.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 13.

Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 13.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 12.

Ana Rojas, Socorro, 10.

Madelyn Estrada, Mt. View, 9.

Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin, 8.

Katelyn Montoya, San Elizario, 8.

Dania Cano, Canutillo, 7.

Lexee Salas, Americas, 7.

Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 7.

Marcela Hernandez, Riverside, 6.

Olivia Garcia, Tornillo, 6.

Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 5.

Natalie Franco, Pebble Hills, 4.

Osmary Vazquez, San Elizario, 4.

Jaylee Levario, Bel Air, 4.

Allison Perez, Coronado, 3.

Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 3.

Salma Licon, Eastwood, 3.

Jeanette Rivera, YWLA, 3.

Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 3.

Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 2.

Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 2.

Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 2.

Lauren Perez, Riverside, 2.

Kyra Walker, Coronado, 2.

Jennifer Najar, Canutillo, 1.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 1.

Sofia Ramirez, El Paso High, 1.

Ximena Holguin, San Elizario, 1.

High School Girl’s XC Poll: Week 6

Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top girls 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.

This week’s schedule

Desert Twilight Invitational: 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at Queen Creek, Ariz. Eastwood, Riverside, Del Valle, Bel Air, San Elizario, Cathedral.

Organ Invite: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at Organ High School in Las Cruces. Franklin, Coronado, Santa Teresa, Chaparral, Gadsden.

DaVinci Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at the Don Haskins Recreation Center. Austin, Jefferson, Ysleta, YWLA, Eastlake, Anthony, Fabens, Cathedral, Loretto, Canutillo, Harmony, Da Vinci.

Lubbock Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 25 at Mae Simmons Park. Burges, Chapin, El Paso, Andress, Bowie, El Dorado, Socorro, Americas, Pebble Hills, Montwood, Valle Verde, Hanks, Parkland.

Many of the city’s top teams and individuals will travel to out-of-town invitationals this weekend.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers placed 13^th in the “rated” division at the 40^th annual Woodbridge Cross Country Classic in Woodbridge, Calif. Senior Lauren Walls-Portillo was second in 17:17.6 and freshman Adelynn Rodriguez was third in 17:20.1 – both personal best times. Two other Eastwood runners set personal best times on the 3-mile course – juniors Salma Licon (19:10.4) and Sophia Watts (19:11.6). The team will compete at the Desert Twilight, the Nike Pre-Southwest Regional meet, in Queen Creek Arizona on Friday night.

2. Franklin: The Cougars varsity did not race on Saturday. However, the JV managed to win the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club with 82 points. Its top runner was junior Shani Malone who was 14^th in 22:09.71. The team will race at the Organ Invitational in Las Cruces.

3. Pebble Hills: The Spartans finished second at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club. Junior Natalia Martinez – who was second in 20:18.68 – was the only top 10 runner. Pebble Hills will race at the Lubbock Invitational on Saturday.

4. Coronado: The T-Birds move up two spots after its third-place finish at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club, despite not placing a runner in the top 10. Sophomore Alexa Lawrence was 12^th in 22:04.31 and senior Banah Abdeljaber was 16th in 22:14.07. Coronado will race at the Organ Invitational in Las Cruces.

5. Montwood: The Rams drop one spot after placing fourth at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club. Montwood had two runners finish in the top 10 – junior Kassandra Jimenez (fourth, 20:53.45) and senior Alexa Rangel (sixth, 21:21.62). Montwood will race at the Lubbock Invitational on Saturday.

6. Jefferson: The Foxes did not run a full team at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club but had two runners – senior Monique Correa (seventh, 21:27.27) and junior Crystal Peterson (eighth, 21:35.21) – finish in the top 10. Jefferson is schedule to race at the DaVinci Invitational at the Don Haskins Recreation Center.

7. Canutillo: The Eagles did not race a full team at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club. Canutillo will compete at the DaVinci Invitational at the Don Haskins Recreation Center.

8. Eastlake: The Falcons are back in the top 10 after finishing fifth at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday. It’s top two runners were senior Giselle Rubio (24^th, 22:40.14) and sophomore Itzel Chavez (25^th, 22:47.72). Eastlake will compete at the DaVinci Invitational at the Don Haskins Recreation Center on Saturday.

9. Hanks: The Knights finished sixth at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club. Senior Mia Rivera was third in 20:34.74. The team will race at the Lubbock Invitational on Saturday.

10. Americas: The Trailblazers make its season debut after its seventh-place finish at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club. Freshman Lexee Salas was the top finisher, placing 13^th in 22:09.25. The team will race at the Lubbock Invitational on Saturday.

Dropped out: Del Valle, Socorro.

On the brink: El Paso High, Burges.

San Elizario senior Samantha Ramirez won the 3,200-meter race at the District Preview Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club in 13:28.83. The Eagles will travel to Queen Creek, Ariz. to race at the Desert Twilight Invitational on Friday.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 17:17.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

2, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 17:20.1 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

3, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 18:28.29 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11)

4, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 18:30.07 (Southlake, 8/28).

5, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 18:59.11 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19:07.10 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

7, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 19:08.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

8, Salma Licon, Eastwood, 19:10.4 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

9, Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 19:11.6 (Woodbridge, 9/18).

10, Abby Barraza, Franklin, 19:25.63 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

11, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19:37.10 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

12, Ana Rojas, Socorro, 19:38.94 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

13, Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 19:41.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

14, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 19:45.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

15, Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 19:51.64 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

16, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 19:53.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

17, Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 19:57.39 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

18, Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 19:57.84 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

19, Kyra Walker, Coronado, 19:58.38 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

20, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 19:58.92 (Del Valle, 8/28).

21, Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 20:03.13 (Canutillo, 8/21).

22, Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 20:03.35 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

23, Banah Abdeljaber, Coronado, 20:11.1 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

24, Michele Paillard, Franklin, 20:16.4 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

25, Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 20:16.96 (Del Valle, 8/28).

Bel Air senior Abigail Murillo finished fifth in 21:16.43 at the District Preview Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club. The Highlanders will compete at the Desert Twilight Invitational at Queen Creek, Ariz.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 39 (1).

2, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 38 (2).

2, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 38 (2).

4, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 36 (1).

5, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 35 (1).

6, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 34 (1).

6, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 34 (1).

8, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 30 (1).

9, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 27.

10, Monique Correa, Jefferson, 26.

10, Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 26.

Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 25.

Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 23.

Abby Barraza, Franklin, 17.

Samantha Ramirez, San Elizario, 15 (1).

Andrea Castillo, El Paso High, 13.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 13.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 12.

Ana Rojas, Socorro, 10.

Madelyn Estrada, Mt. View, 9.

Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 9.

Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin, 8.

Katelyn Montoya, San Elizario, 8.

Dania Cano, Canutillo, 7.

Lexee Salas, Americas, 7.

Marcela Hernandez, Riverside, 6.

Olivia Garcia, Tornillo, 6.

Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 5.

Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 4.

Natalie Franco, Pebble Hills, 4.

Osmary Vazquez, San Elizario, 4.

Jaylee Levario, Bel Air, 4.

Allison Perez, Coronado, 3.

Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 3.

Disany Sandoval, Del Valle, 3.

Salma Licon, Eastwood, 3.

Jeanette Rivera, YWLA, 3.

Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 2.

Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 2.

Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 2.

Lauren Perez, Riverside, 2.

Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 2.

Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 1.

Jennifer Najar, Canutillo, 1.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 1.

Kyra Walker, Coronado, 1.

Sofia Ramirez, El Paso High, 1.

Ximena Holguin, San Elizario, 1.

High School Girl’s XC Poll: Week 5

Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top girls 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.

This week’s schedule

District Preview: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 at Vista Hills Country Club. All schools.

Woodbridge Classic: 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18 at SilverLakes Sports Complex in Woodbridge, Calif. Eastwood.

We are at the midway mark of the 2021 season as things start to heat up. Vista Hills Country Club will be the place to be on Saturday as all teams are scheduled to compete in the District Preview meet.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers did not race on Saturday. Eastwood has been putting in extra work the past two weeks in preparation of two major races – the 40^th annual Woodbridge Cross Country Classic presented by ASICS America in Woodbridge, Calif. on Saturday and the Desert Twilight, the Nike Pre-Southwest Regional meet, in Queen Creek Arizona on Sept. 25.

2. Franklin: The Cougars scored 25 points to win the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday. Franklin placed four of its runners in the top five led by junior Alyssa Laspada (second, 18:52.40), senior Jordan Torres (third, 19:07.10), junior Abby Barraza (fourth, 19:25.63) and senior Jenna Saunders (fifth, 19:37.10). Franklin will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

3. Pebble Hills: The Spartans did not run its top runners at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park. They will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

4. Montwood: The Rams finished second at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday with 51 points. Junior Kassandra Jimenez turned in a season-best 18:28.29, the second fastest time in the city. Montwood had two other runners – senior Alexa Rangel (seventh, in 19:51.64) and junior Jazmine Miranda (eighth, 19:57.30) – in the top 10. Rangel and Miranda also ran season-best times. Montwood will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

5. Jefferson: The Foxes did not run a full team at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park but did place two runners – junior Crystal Peterson (third, 21:07.17) and senior Monique Correa (seventh, 21:46.60) – in the top 10. Jefferson will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

6. Coronado: The T-Birds finished continue to improve and finished third at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park with 70 points. Junior Kyra Walker had her best race of her season, finishing 10^th in 19:58.38. Coronado will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

7. Del Valle: The Conquistadores did not race a full team at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday. Senior Anisa Sanchez was ninth in a season-best 19:57.84. Del Valle will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

8. Canutillo: The Eagles move up one after winning the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational with 55 points. Junior Natalie Rivera was second in 20:10.43 and junior Dania Cano finished one spot outside of the top 10 in 22:50.26. Canutillo will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

9. Hanks: The Knights finished second with 89 points at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park and moved down one spot. Senior Mia Rivera picked up her first win of the season in 20:02.00. The team will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

10. Socorro: The Bulldogs did not run a full team at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park. Senior Ana Rojas was sixth in 19:38.94. The team will race at the District Preview at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: El Paso High, Burges, Eastlake.

Americas freshman Lexee Salas has been a nice addition as the Trailblazers try to rebuild. She finished fifth at last week’s Loretto/Cathedral Invitational.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 17:58.28 (Del Valle, 8/28).

2, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 18:28.29 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11)

3, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 18:30.07 (Southlake, 8/28).

4, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 18:37.95 (Del Valle, 8/28).

5, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 18:59.11 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19:07.10 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

7, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 19:08.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

8, Abby Barraza, Franklin, 19:25.63 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

9, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19:37.10 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

10, Ana Rojas, Socorro, 19:38.94 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

11, Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 19:41.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

12, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 19:45.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

13, Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 19:51.64 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

14, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 19:53.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

15, Salma Licon, Eastwood, 19:54.44 (Del Valle, 8/28).

16, Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 19:57.39 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

17, Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 19:57.84 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

18, Kyra Walker, Coronado, 19:58.38 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

19, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 19:58.92 (Del Valle, 8/28).

20, Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 20:03.13 (Canutillo, 8/21).

21, Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 20:03.35 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

22, Banah Abdeljaber, Coronado, 20:11.1 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

23, Michele Paillard, Franklin, 20:16.4 (Mary Frances Keisling, 9/11).

24, Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 20:16.96 (Del Valle, 8/28).

25, Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 20:18.22 (Del Valle, 8/28).

El Paso High sophomore Andrea Castillo has the Tigers on the brink of El Paso Running’s top 10. She finished eighth at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational in 22:14.16.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 35 (1).

2, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 34 (1).

3, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 31 (2).

3, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 31 (1).

5, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 29 (2).

6, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 28 (1).

7, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 27.

8, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 25.

9, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 24.

10, Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 23.

Monique Correa, Jefferson, 22.

Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 21 (1).

Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 18.

Abby Barraza, Franklin, 17.

Andrea Castillo, El Paso High, 13.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 12.

Ana Rojas, Socorro, 10.

Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 8.

Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin, 8.

Dania Cano, Canutillo, 7.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 7.

Lexee Salas, Americas, 7.

Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 5.

Samantha Ramirez, San Elizario, 5.

Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 4.

Natalie Franco, Pebble Hills, 4.

Jaylee Levario, Bel Air, 4.

Allison Perez, Coronado, 3.

Jazmine Miranda, Montwood, 3.

Disany Sandoval, Del Valle, 3.

Salma Licon, Eastwood, 3.

Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 2.

Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 2.

Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 2.

Olivia Garcia, Tornillo, 1.

Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 1.

Jennifer Najar, Canutillo, 1.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 1.

Kyra Walker, Coronado, 1.

Sofia Ramirez, El Paso High, 1.

Monday Cool Down: Older brothers pave way for Americas’ Laverty and Hanks’ Rivera

As young runners, Americas senior Jared Laverty and Hanks senior Mia Rivera always had a team of people encouraging them, pushing them to work harder and to be better.

For the most part the motivation came from club coaches, parents or fellow runners.

But each of them also had someone who actually put in the miles, leading the way through example.

Laverty and Rivera have big brothers, both Division 1 athletes, who have inspired their younger siblings throughout the years.

Laverty’s older brother, Cameron, was a mid-distance runner for Americas and at the University of Houston.

While at Americas, Cameron set five school records at including the 400m, 800m, 1600m, 300m hurdles and 4x400m relay.

Rivera’s older brother, Rodger, is sophomore at the University of Texas and was an All-State cross country performer at Hanks, finishing eighth as a junior and third as a senior at the state meet.

“Cameron has helped me a great deal and he’s someone I look up to and admire for what he did,” Laverty told the El Paso Times last week.

Rivera said her older brother set the pathway for her success and serves as a role model.

“I know that I’m not at his level, but he pushes me to get there,” Rivera said after winning the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday. “He has been there all my life; he has always been by my side. He pushes me to do better, he tells me when I’m doing something wrong but he’s always there for me no matter what.”

Rivera, who picked up her first win of the season, has the city’s 14^th fastest time, racing to a 19:53.20 at Shawver Park on Sept. 4.

“I’m where I want to be right now,” she said. “Every day I’m pushing harder. In practice, I’ve been running with the boys and they’re pushing me a lot, that’s why my times have been getting faster.”

Heading into the mid-point of the season, Rivera and Laverty say they are mentally and physically prepared for the championship push.

“I’m racing really well right now,” Rivera said. “My goal is to break 19 minutes because I know colleges are going to be scouting and I want to get a good time so maybe I can earn a scholarship.”

Laverty, who is unbeaten in four races this season, said he too is focused on the stretch run.

“Every year I focus on the long term, and every year the goal is making it to state,” he said. “I’ve been practicing hard all summer with that in mind. I had a really bad junior year so I’m really focused on doing well my senior year.”

Laverty has the city’s fifth fastest boy’s time, clocking in at 15:24.83 at the Canutillo Invitational on Aug. 21.

“I’m always good mentally, even if I lose, I’ll always be in the same mental state to come back,” he said. “I want my senior year to be the best year. I want to make sure we do all the right things. I just want to be the best that I can be and push through with quality work in practice every day.”

High School Girl’s XC Poll: Week 4

Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top girls 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.

This week’s schedule

EPISD Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at Mary Francis Keisling Park, 651 Gomez. Franklin, Coronado, Bowie, Eastlake, Socorro, Montwood, Riverside, Del Valle, Clint, Ft Hancock. Anthony, LPI, Harmony.

Loretto/Cathedral Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 11 at Veterans Park. Burges, El Paso, Irvin Jefferson, Andress, Chapin El Dorado, Americas, Eastwood, Valle Verde, Ysleta, Hanks, Parkland, Bel Air, YWLA, Mt.View, Horizon, Tornillo, Canutillo, Pebble Hills, Fabens, Loretto, Cathedral, San Elizario.

As the fourth week of the season begins, many teams will resting up for out-of-town invitationals.

Top 10

1. Eastwood: The Troopers take over the top spot after winning the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club with 38 points, 11 better than previous No. 1 Franklin. Eastwood had three runners – senior Lauren Walls-Portillo (first, 19:05.8), freshman Adelynn Rodriguez (second, 19:43.6) and junior Sophia Watts (ninth, 21:21.1) – finish in the top 10. It was the second straight week Walls-Portillo and Rodriguez finished 1-2. Eastwood’s five scores finished in the top 19. Eastwood will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday.

2. Franklin: The Cougars drop a spot after finishing second at the Pebble Hills Invitational with 47 points. Its top three runners were junior Alyssa Laspada (third, 20:19.10, senior Jenna Saunders (fifth, 20:27.7) and senior Jordan Torres, Franklin (seventh, 21:07.1). Franklin will try to regroup at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

3. Pebble Hills: The Spartans hold steady at No. 3 after its third-place at the Pebble Hills Invitational, scoring 72 points. Its top runners were junior Natalia Martinez (sixth, 20:51.1) and sophomore Carolina Zarrabal (eighth, 21:14.4). Pebble Hills will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday.

4. Montwood: The Rams did not run a full team at the Ysleta/Riverside Invitational at Shawver Park, however junior Kassandra Jimenez won the event in 19:26.77 and senior Alexa Rangel was fourth in 20:27.46. Montwood will race at EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

5. Jefferson: The Foxes won its second consecutive team championship taking first-place at the Ysleta/Riverside Invitational at Shawver Park with 58 points. Junior Crystal Peterson was fifth in 20:34.35 and senior Monique Correa was sixth in 20:40.23 to lead Jefferson. Jefferson will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday.

6. Coronado: The T-Birds finished fourth at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club with 87 points. Coronado’s top three three runners finished 13^th (sophomore Alexa Lawrence, 21:47.1), 14^th (junior Kyra Walker, 21:56.2) and 17^th (senior Banah Abdeljaber (22:14.9). Coronado will race at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

7. Del Valle: The Conquistadores did not race a full team at the Ysleta/Riverside Invitational. It’s top two runners were seniors Anisa Sanchez (12^th, 21:09.11) and Disany Sandoval (13^th, 21:12.83). Del Valle will at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

8. Hanks: The Knights finished second with 75 points at the Ysleta/Riverside Invitational at Shawver Park. Senior Mia Rivera was third in 19:53.20. Freshman Elizabeth Aguirre was the only top 20 runner, placing 15^th in 21:53.64. The team will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational at Veterans Park on Saturday.

9. Canutillo: The Eagles were third (four points behind Hanks) at the Ysleta/Riverside Invitational. Junior Natalie Rivera was second overall in 19:45.20 and junior Dania Cano was ninth in 20:57.06. Canutillo will race at the Loretto/Cathedral Invitational on Saturday.

10. Socorro: For the second straight week, the Bulldogs did not run a full team at the Pebble Hills Invitational. Senior Ana Rojas was 12^th in 21:44.8. The team will race at the EPISD Invitational at Mary Francis Keisling Park on Saturday.

Dropped out: None.

On the brink: El Paso High, Burges, Eastlake.

Hanks senior Mia Rivera is having a great season, ranking in the top 20 in overall time and in the top 10 in power rankings.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 17:58.28 (Del Valle, 8/28).

2, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 18:30.07 (Southlake, 8/28).

3, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 18:37.95 (Del Valle, 8/28).

4, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 18:59.11 (Del Valle, 8/28).

5, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 18:59.84 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 19:08.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

7, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19:22.07 (Canutillo, 8/21).

8, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19:37.63 (Southlake, 8/28).

9, Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 19:41.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

10, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 19:45.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

11, Ana Rojas, Socorro, 19:46.94 (Del Valle, 8/28).

12, Abby Barraza, Franklin, 19:52.45 (Canutillo, 8/21).

13, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 19:53.20 (Shawver Park, 9/4).

14, Salma Licon, Eastwood, 19:54.44 (Del Valle, 8/28).

15, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 19:58.92 (Del Valle, 8/28).

16, Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 20:03.13 (Canutillo, 8/21).

17, Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 20:16.96 (Del Valle, 8/28).

18, Michele Paillard, Franklin, 20:47.35 (Southlake, 8/28).

19, Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 20:52.26 (Canutillo, 8/21).

20, Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 20:55.11 (Canutillo, 8/21).

21, Lexee Salas, Americas, 20:57.20 (Cleveland, 8/28).

22, Isabella Medina, Americas, 21:03.20 (Canutillo, 8/21).

23, Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 21:08.65 (Chaparral, 8/28).

24, Monique Correa, Jefferson, 21:17.61 (Chaparral, 8/28).

25, Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 20:18.22 (Del Valle, 8/28).

The Pebble Hills girls have been this season’s sleeper, ranking at No. 3 in this week’s El Paso Running Top 10.

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 29 (2).

2, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 28 (1).

3, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 26 (1).

4, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 25 (1).

5, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 24.

6, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 21 (1).

6, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 21 (1).

6, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 21.

9, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19.

9, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19.

Monique Correa, Jefferson, 18.

Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 15.

Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 14.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 12.

Abby Barraza, Franklin, 10.

Andrea Castillo, EPHS, 10.

Dania Cano, Canutillo, 7.

Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 6.

Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin, 6.

Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 5.

Ana Rojas, Socorro, 5.

Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 4.

Natalie Franco, Pebble Hills, 4.

Jaylee Levario, Bel Air, 4.

Allison Perez, Coronado, 3.

Disany Sandoval, Del Valle, 3.

Salma Licon, Eastwood, 3.

Ana Rojas, Coronado, 3.

Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 2.

Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 2.

Sophia Watts, Eastwood, 2.

Olivia Garcia, Tornillo, 1.

Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 1.

Jennifer Najar, Canutillo, 1.

Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 1.

Lexee Salas, Americas, 1.

High School Girls XC Poll: Week 3

Every Wednesday, El Paso Running will utilize a point system to highlight El Paso’s top girls 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.

This week’s schedule

Riverside/Ysleta Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 at Shawver Park. El Paso, Jefferson, Bowie, Austin, Chapin, Montwood, Americas, El Dorado, Valle Verde, Riverside, Ysleta, Del Valle, Hanks, Parkland, Bel Air, YWLA, Mt. View, Clint, San Eli, Fabens, Harmony, Canutillo.

Pebble Hills Invitational: 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 4 at Vista Hills Country Club. Burges, Coronado, Franklin, Irvin, Andress, Horizon Eastlake, Pebble Hills, Socorro, Eastwood, Santa Teresa, Chaparral, Gadsden, Ft. Hancock, LPI, Cathedral, Loretto, Anthony.

The Del Valle course proved to be runner-friendly as 12 runners in the Top 25 set season personal best times last Saturday.

Top 10

1. Franklin: The Cougars placed sixth at the Southlake Carroll Invitational with 183 points. Southlake Carroll won the event with 60 points. Junior Alyssa Laspada was the top Franklin runner finishing 17^th in 18:30.07, a season best. Senior Jenna Saunders also ran a season-best 19:37.63. Franklin will compete at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

2. Eastwood: The Troopers move up a spot after winning the Rudy Alvarez Invitational at Del Valle. Eastwood placed four runners in the top eight to win the event with 30 points – 45 more than the rest of the field. Senior Lauren Walls-Portillo won the race in a personal best 17:58.28 followed by freshman Adelynn Rodriguez (second, 18:37.95), senior Adalia Olmos (sixth, 19:41.07) and junior Salma Licon (eighth, 19:54.44). Eastwood will race at the at the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

3. Pebble Hills: For the second straight week, the Spartans are the big movers and shakers – moving up another four spots. The young Pebble Hills team have been the surprise team of the season. On Saturday, it placed two runners Junior Natalia Martinez (fifth, 19:08.03) and sophomore Carolina Zarrabal (10^th, 19:58.92) – in the top 10. Sophomore Natalie Franco was 13^th in 20:24.44. Pebble Hills will race in its own in invitational at Vista Hills on Saturday.

4. Montwood: The Rams drop two spots after its third-place finish at the Rudy Alvarez. Junior Kassandra Jimenez had a strong race, finishing fourth in 18:59.84 and junior Jazmine Miranda was 14^th in 20:25.44. Senior Alexa Rangel was 23^rd in 20:57.02. Montwood hopes to get back on track at the Riverside/Ysleta Invitational at Shawver Park.

5. Jefferson: The Foxes won the Gadsden Invitational at Chaparral High School, placing it’s two seniors – Crystal Peterson (21:08.65) and Monique Correra (21:17.61) – in second and third. The Foxes need to develop more consistency in it’s 3-7 runners in order to remain in the top five. Jefferson will race at the Riverside/Ysleta Invitational at Shawver Park on Saturday.

6. Coronado: The T-Birds finished fourth at the Rudy Alvarez Invitational with 120 points. Coronado placed three runners in the top 25 – sophomore Alexa Lawrence (15^th, 20:36.08), senior Banah Abdeljaber (16^th, 20:39.37) and junior Kyra Walker (25^th, 21:08.42). The team will regroup for the Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

7. Del Valle: The Conquistadores move up for the second straight week, this time two spots after placing fifth on its home course. Del Valle had three runners in the top 25 led by junior Valeria Loo-Kung who was 11^th in 20:16.96. Senior Disany Sandoval was 20^th in 20:42.81 and senior Anisa Sanchez was 22^nd in 20:54.20. Del Valle will race at the Riverside/Ysleta Invitational at Shawver Park on Saturday.

8. Hanks: The Knights finished sixth at the Rudy Alvarez. Senior Mia Rivera had another top 10 finish, placing ninth in 19:57.47. Rivera was the only top 25 runner for Hanks. Senior Madison Spencer was 30^th in 21:42.86. The team will race at the Riverside/Ysleta Invitational at Shawver Park on Saturday.

9. Canutillo: The Eagles make its season debut in the Top 10 after placing second at the Gadsden Invitational at Chaparral High School. Junior Natalie Rivera won the event in 21:03.86. Junior Dania Cano was sixth in 22:20.38 and junior Jennifer Najar was 10^th in 23:04.25. The team will race at the Riverside/Ysleta Invitational at Shawver Park.

10. Socorro: The Bulldogs did not run a full team at the Rudy Alvarez. Senior Ana Rojas did manage a seventh-place finish in 19:46.94. The team will race at Pebble Hills Invitational at Vista Hills Country Club on Saturday.

Dropped out: Bel Air.

On the brink: Burges, Eastlake, El Paso High.

Jefferson’s Monique Correa and Crystal Peterson as well as Canutillo’s Natalie Rivera have turned in top 25 times this season.

Top times (3 mile or 5K)

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 17:58.28 (Del Valle, 8/28).

2, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 18:30.07 (Southlake, 8/28).

3, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 18:37.95 (Del Valle, 8/28).

4, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 18:59.11 (Del Valle, 8/28).

5, Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 18:59.84 (Del Valle, 8/28).

6, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 19:08.03 (Del Valle, 8/28).

7, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 19:22.07 (Canutillo, 8/21).

8, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 19:37.63 (Southlake, 8/28).

9, Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 19:41.07 (Del Valle, 8/28).

10, Ana Rojas, Socorro, 19:46.94 (Del Valle, 8/28).

11, Abby Barraza, Franklin, 19:52.45 (Canutillo, 8/21).

12, Salma Licon, Eastwood, 19:54.44 (Del Valle, 8/28).

13, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 19:57.47 (Del Valle, 8/28).

14, Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 19:58.92 (Del Valle, 8/28).

15, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 20:02.59 (Canutillo, 8/21).

16, Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 20:03.13 (Canutillo, 8/21).

17, Valeria Loo-Kung, Del Valle, 20:16.96 (Del Valle, 8/28).

17, Michele Paillard, Franklin, 20:47.35 (Southlake, 8/28).

18, Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 20:52.26 (Canutillo, 8/21).

19, Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 20:55.11 (Canutillo, 8/21).

20, Lexee Salas, Americas, 20:57.20 (Cleveland, 8/28).

21, Isabella Medina, Americas, 21:03.20 (Canutillo, 8/21).

22, Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 21:08.65 (Chaparral, 8/28).

24, Monique Correa, Jefferson, 21:17.61 (Chaparral, 8/28).

25, Abigail Murillo, Bel Air, 20:18.22 (Del Valle, 8/28).

Burges senior Pam Ramirez has been the bright spot for the Mustangs this season. She owns the city’s fourth fastest time (18:59.11).

Power rankings
(number parenthesis indicate meets won):

1, Lauren Walls-Portillo, Eastwood, 19 (1).

1, Adelynn Rodriguez, Eastwood, 19 (1).

3, Alyssa Laspada, Franklin, 18 (1).

4, Pamela Ramirez, Burges, 17.

5, Natalia Martinez, Pebble Hills, 16 (1).

5, Natalie Rivera, Canutillo, 16 (1).

7, Jordan Torres, Franklin, 15.

8, Jenna Saunders, Franklin, 13.

8, Monique Correa, Jefferson, 13.

8, Mia Rivera, Hanks, 13.

Kassandra Jimenez, Montwood, 11.

Abby Barraza, Franklin, 10.

Carolina Zarrabal, Pebble Hills, 9.

Crystal Peterson, Jefferson, 9.

Alexa Rangel, Montwood, 7.

Andrea Castillo, EPHS, 7.

Anisa Sanchez, Del Valle, 6.

Elizabeth Hernandez, Austin, 6.

Adalia Olmos, Eastwood, 5.

Dania Cano, Canutillo, 5.

Ana Rojas, Socorro, 5.

Sofia Camacho, Franklin, 4.

Natalie Franco, Pebble Hills, 4.

Allison Perez, Coronado, 3.

Disany Sandoval, Del Valle, 3.

Salma Licon, Eastwood, 3.

Ana Rojas, Coronado, 3.

Giselle Rubio, Eastlake, 2.

Caroline Pitchkolan, Coronado, 2.

Olivia Garcia, Tornillo, 1.

Alexa Lawrence, Coronado, 1.

Jennifer Najar, Canutillo, 1.

Monday Cool Down: Walls-Portillo runs sub-18 5K

Eastwood senior Lauren Walls-Portillo had a milestone run on Saturday morning at Del Valle High School.

After years of training, Walls-Portillo finally ran a sub 18-minute 5K – finishing the Rudy Alvarez Invitational in 17:58.28.

“I ran an 18:04 at Vista Hills Golf Course and I was so bummed that I was four seconds away,” she said. “I’ve hunted for this 17 for so long and that I finally did it on a course that I love, I am so happy.”

Walls-Portillo picked up her first victory of the season out-distancing freshman teammate Adelynn Rodriguez (18:37.95) and Burges senior Pamela Ramirez (18:59.11).

Eastwood senior Lauren Walls-Portillo won Rudy Alvarez Invitational in 17:58.28 on Saturday.

Montwood junior Kassandra Jimenez was fourth in 18:59.84 and Pebble Hills junior Natalia Martinez was fifth in 19:08.03.

The long, flat course at Del Valle High School was ripe for fast times.

“I’ve been running this course since I was seven- or eight-years old running with the El Paso Wings; I’ve loved this course forever,” she said. “Breaking 18 on this course is so special to me. It really signifies how far I’ve come and I recognize how much progress I’ve made since I was a child so it was important to me to break 18 here.”

Walls-Portillo, who is a three-time state qualifier, said there was a little special motivation heading into Saturday’s race.

“I don’t think I did very well in my first race of the season,” she said. “I loved how I came back from that experience. To come out and push myself the way I did in practice and during this race, I’m really proud of myself – and my teammates.”

Indeed.

The Troopers dominated, placing four runners in the top eight including Walls-Portillo, Rodriguez, senior Adalia Olmos (sixth, 19:41.07) and junior Salma Licon (eighth, 19:54.44).

“Our team had a rough first race at the SAC on concrete, but now that we’ve come back together on this flat course and did amazing, it’s awesome.”

Not to be outdone, the varsity boy’s race was just as amazing with Pebble Hills junior Omer Ibrahim outlasting Eastlake senior Israel David at the end. Coronado junior Luis Pastor was two seconds behind and finish third.

Pebble Hills junior Omer Ibrahim outlasted Eastlake senior Israel David to win the Rudy Alvarez Invitational. Coronado junior Luis Pastor was just strides behind to finish third.

“We were all pushing each other,” Ibrahim said. “Macho (David) was right next to me and Luis Pastor was there with us. We kept fighting and fighting and with about a half a mile to go, we all started pushing harder and harder.”

At the end, Ibrahim had just a tiny bit more winning in 15:02.15, David was second in 15:02.73 and Pastor third in 15:04.79.

“Heading into the final 50 meters, we all had to slow down around the corner so we wouldn’t slip,” he said. “We were able to pick up our speed and I saw that there were right there with me so I pushed even harder.”

David, who was a bronze medalist at last year’s Class 6A UIL Cross Country Championship, was all smiles after the race.

“Ah man, I tried to give it everything I had left,” he said. “I wanted to win my first race back; I’m really proud of my performance.”

He knew Ibrahim would be tough.

“We went to an elevation camp together in Cloudcroft so I knew he was training hard this summer,” David said. “He really pushed me in this race and that’s what I’m always looking for. There was a lot of excitement in the air with all the people cheering, it was really cool.”

David missed the first two weeks of the season after a positive COVID-19 test.

“During the first week I just couldn’t run, it would hurt so much,” he said. “But coming back and being in a race like that brought my motivation level up. It made me realize that this is my senior season and I have to make sure that this is my best season.”