After two straight cross country meets were rained out for the Wildcats and Lady Cats, they were able to compete Thursday (September 27) at a meet at Lynn Creek Park in Arlington. Cross Country Coach Ross Hicks said the Arlington course, the site for the regional cross country meet, had to be altered Thursday due to high water from recent rains. Coach Hicks said he noticed a new pond in an area where athletes used to run. He said the course was muddy and he said one runner lost a shoe during the run.
Coach Hicks said the Wildcats competed in the Elite Run. They finished sixth among 13 teams. He said the Wildcats were the fifth best Class 5A team adding four of the teams were in our region. Landon Thornton led the Wildcats finishing seventh in the run with his best time of the season. Junior Christian Palamino was the second Wildcat to finish followed by senior Eli Sellers. Junior Nabian Ramirez was the Wildcats fourth finisher and sophomore Jose Mejia was fifth. Senior Andrew Escobar was sixth for the Wildcats with Rhett Reid seventh.
The Lady Cats ran in a field of 298 competitors representing 50 teams. The Lady Cats were 26th as a team. Sydney Washburn was the top finishing Lady Cat setting a personal best. Senior Baylie Arrington came in next followed by sophomore Maurie Flecker, sophomore Landri McKinney, freshman Jessica Yanez, Ashley Noe and Kaitlyn Ferrill.
Coach Hicks said his JV runners will compete at the Mount Pleasant Titus County Fair Invitational on Saturday (September 29). Next for the varsity is the UIL District 15-5A Championship at Mount Pleasant High School on Monday, October 8. Coach Hicks said he plans a nine day training cycle for his teams. He said he is excited by the potential of his teams.
