Crisp air settled among the tents of CFISD Cross Country teams at Spring Creek Park on Friday, Oct. 16. As coaches and spectators filled the grounds, athletes began preparing for one of the biggest races of the year—the district meet.

The district meet is one of last races of the season for most teams. Every high school in the CFISD district races against each other, but only the top three schools advance to the regional meet.

“At the district meet I felt a lot of pressure because the team really wanted to go to regionals this year so we all had to run our best,” said sophomore varsity runner Caitlin Kalogeras.

As the early morning grew to a close, it was time for the races to start. Energy flew through the park while teams discussed their last minute racing strategies.

The varsity boys’ team performed exceptionally well and brought home the first place prize in the overall team competition. They were led by sophomore Elajah Warner, who finished with a time of 16:54.64, making that an average of five minutes and 27 seconds per mile.

Three Ranch runners finished right behind Warner. Seniors Grady Guest (17:00.24) and Mark Pena (17:02.96) were followed by junior Zachary Turman (17:03.43). Juniors Alex Smith, Tanner Howe, and Michael Parodi rounded out the top seven finishers for the boys’ team.

The girls’ varsity team was  just as successful as they were able to amass a third place finish.

Meeting at the starting line, the girls were given a pep talk by the head cross country coach, Coach Hoffpauir. He reminded the girls of all the hard work they have endured over the past year and encouraged them to run the hardest they could, hoping that if the team finished in the top three they could advance to the regional meet. Taking this into account, the team said a quick prayer and waited anxiously on the line, along with the 9 other high school teams.

“Before I race, I get so nervous and jittery but when the starter gun goes off, it’s like everything rushes through me and I just want to go,” said Kalogeras.

As the girls varsity race kicked off, the lady Mustangs followed the front of the pack. With freshman Lauren Graham in the lead, the team was able to run close together throughout the three mile rugged course. Each of the seven girls’ varsity members finished in the top 30.

The top runner for the girls was seventh place finisher freshman Lauren Graham, who finished with a time of 19:52.14. Freshmen Arianna Gomez (20:19.57), Madelyn Taylor (20:24.69), and Victoria Hubler (20:25.39) followed soon after sophomores Samantha Weekes, Grace Kolsey,and Caitlyn Kalogeras rounded out the top finishes for the girls’ team.

“As I was crossing the finish line I felt really good because I knew our girls had already finished so we had a good chance at going to regionals,” said Kalogeras.

After cheering on the Junior Varsity and Open race, the Cy Ranch Cross Country team patiently waited to hear the official results of the district champions. Knowing the top three teams advance to regionals, both the boys and girls teams hoped to be a part of the trio.

The boys’ results were announced first and the girls’ soon followed. Both teams advanced to the regional cross country meet—these fantastic top three finishes for both teams means they will run at the upcoming regional track meet, which will take place at Sam Houston Park on Monday, Oct. 26. This was the first time in Cy Ranch history that the boys’ and the girls’ teams were able to move forward together.

If the teams are able to place in the top four at the regional race, they will then advance on to the area meet.