On September 26th, the Cotulla Cross Country teams traveled to Dilley to compete at the 4th Annual Robert C. Salazar XC Invitational. It was a great showing for our athletes, who saw their hard work pay off as we head into championship season.

The meet gave the team an opportunity to compete against district opponents Natalia, Crystal City, and Hondo and see where things stand. On the girls’ side, we knew the team standings would be close. Our varsity girls finished third, just five points behind a strong Natalia team. Three Rivers took home the team title.

On the boys’ side, the meet provided a better look at Hondo as the team prepares for what could be a close race for a regional berth at the district meet. Although a full boys’ team did not compete this week, the Cowboys plan to field one next week at the pre-district meet in Carrizo Springs.

Overall, this meet showed the progress our athletes are making as we move into the later phases of training. They are beginning to see what their legs can do as the intensity of our workouts increases. Of our 13 runners, 12 set personal records. The one who did not missed by only a few seconds while competing under the weather.

As we head into the final stretch of the season, we are excited to see what is still ahead for this group. They have embraced the work, committed themselves to the program, and are beginning to see the results of that effort.

If you see these student-athletes around, please congratulate them on their hard work and performances at the 4th Annual Robert C. Salazar XC Invitational!

Results are as follows:

GIRLS (2 miles)

Addison Alvarado (JV)*PR: 18:58

Dayanna Conchas: 12:58 *PR

Destiny Freeman: 14:34 *PR

Chloe Garcia: 14:33 — 4 seconds shy of PR

Destiny Garcia: 13:11 *PR

Jazlyn Olivas: 12:30 *PR

BOYS (5K / 3.1 miles)

Saul Alvina: 17:57 *PR

Enrique Garcia (JV): 22:34 *PR

Jarek Gonzalez: 17:56 *PR

Emmanual Lopez: 16:24 *PR

Nelson Sanchez (JV): 20:39 *PR

Ayden Villearreal: 18:40 *PR

Armandon Garza (JV): 20:55 *PR

*PR = Personal record

The Cotulla Cross Country teams will be back on the course on October 7th at the pre-district meet in Carrizo Springs, where all district opponents will be in attendance. This will give both teams one final opportunity to see how they stack up before the district meet on October 14th.

📸 Thank you to Sergio Olivas II for capturing our athletes in action at the meet!