By Marin Murray.
The girls’ cross country team ended their season with a ninth place finish at the state meet on Nov. 5 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.
“I think it’s something that we’ve been working towards for years,” senior Molly Bessent said. “Since my freshman year, Coach Martin has always said that we can get there, so it has been cool to see it actually happen this year.”
After having two runners individually qualify last season, the entire team was able to advance this year — something that has not been accomplished since 1999.
“I feel like they worked really hard for this,” head coach RoseMary Martin said. “The winning just takes care of itself. And of course anytime you’re successful, it makes everything else better.”
On top of their historic state berth, the Lady Eagles finished the season as district champions and bronze medalists at the regional meet. They also won four other meets prior to their district win.
“I’m proud of what we did,” freshman Jocelyn Smith said. “I feel like we did great, and I think the team is what made the season special.”
Attributing their success to family-oriented culture, Martin believes that the bond among the girls allowed them to do so well.
“I think the team environment is very different from everybody else,” sophomore Mason Murray said. “The environment of our team is more like a family than just a team.”
Two of the team’s most notable finishes from the season include Murray winning the individual title for the second year straight at the district meet and sophomore Zoe Vann taking seventh place at the regional meet, both of which took place at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock.
“They are very committed and hardworking ladies that I enjoy coaching every single day,” Martin said. “I can’t even explain how excited I am for them and their success.”
Since the team will only lose two seniors, they are looking to continue building on their success going into next season.
“My goal is to continue a culture of not only winning, but of family as well,” Martin said. “Instead of finishing ninth, some of our other goals are to place higher at state, continue to medal at regionals, and to win district for the third consecutive year.”
