Distance teams qualify for regionals

Alex Hindman, Sports Staff|October 20, 2015

The Maiden and Indian cross country teams both qualified for regional competition on Oct. 26 after taking second and third respectively as teams at the 4-4A District Meet in Pecos on Oct. 19.

With both teams moving on to the regional cross country meet the runners are very excited.

“I prepared for the meet with a hard week of running to make sure I had the endurance to place high at the meet,” freshman Taylor McGehee said. “I would have never guessed that I would be running in the regional track meet.”

McGehee took second overall qualifying as an individual as well. Sophomore Lacy Jackson and freshman Amanda Villalva also qualified individually for regionals.

The Indian team took third place at district, edging out Monahans for the third spot. Junior Nick Acosta finished in the lead for the Indians in 11th place, narrowly missing individual qualification which ended at the 10th position.

“I’ve been preparing for district since the first meet,” Acosta said. “Making it to the regional meet was a goal of mine, and I’m glad I have reached it.”

For senior Skyler Franklin, who finished 13th, qualifying for regionals was the reward of a six-year distance career.

“Finally making it to regionals I am relieved,” Franklin said. “I have wanted to make it to regionals since my freshman year.”

Regionals will be at Mae Simmons Park on Monday. The Maidens run at 10 a.m. and the Indians run at 10:30 a.m.

Varsity 4-4A Results:

Women: Andrews first (19 points), Seminole second (64 points), Fort Stockton third (84 points)

Individual: Taylor McGehee second (12:48.84), Lacy Jackson seventh (12:51.86), Amanda Villava ninth (13:07.31), Alexis Howard 25th (14:22.15), Yesenia Olivas 27th (14:29.72), Celene Diaz 28th (14:35.75), Bryce Darby 29th (14:37.37)

Men: Andrews first (15 points), Pecos second (75), Seminole third (87 points)

Individual: Nick Acosta 11th (17:37.12), Rudy Navarro 12th (17:42.41), Skyler Franklin 13th (17:50.56), Antonio Arreola 31st (20:58.06), Julian Perez 33rd (21:34.68), Jakob Moyers 34th (21:39.66)