Brownwood High School Cross Country athletes were honored with a dinner and awards ceremony Monday night and several athletes received special awards.
Brownwood High School Head Cross Country Coach Don Hood stated that the teams set a few records for Brownwood High, with their first ever girls’ team and boys individual competitors at the state level and their highest ever regional finishes.
The boys’ varsity team was made up of Herman Hernandez, Quantez Johnson, Adam Tipton, Michael Westerman, Jacob Salazar, Tristin Stieber, and Dylan Person. The boys varsity won 4 meets, had a 28 point lead to win their district meet, and finished 5th out of 16 teams at the regional meet. Team member Dylan Person went on to state competition where he placed 8th.
Coach Hood stated that this was a great group of boys to coach and that they constantly fought to win, “You guys refused to be average and worked so hard,” said Hood. “You guys are a lot of fun. I don’t know if I’ve ever enjoyed a group so much.”
The girls’ team was made up of Alex Bernal, Jeanne Standridge, Ashley Strong, Jessica Romero, Tori Burkett, Julianne Hood, Victoria Hood, and Katy Jacobs. The girls’ team won 5 meets, won the third consecutive district championship for BHS, finished 3rd at the regional meet, was first BHS cross country team to qualify for state, and finished 7th overall at state.
Hood again spoke of a team with a fight to win in reference to the girls team.
“I was really proud of our girls, they didn’t let anyone say ‘this is the team to beat,” said Hood, “they said it for themselves.”
Hood encouraged parents present at the event to stay involved in their kids’ activities, in all that they do, to support them even when they don’t win.
“We’re really, really proud of your daughter’s and sons,” said Hood of these athletes.
Pictured at top is the varsity girls cross country team being recognized. Individual award photos are below.
Junior Varsity Boys
Most Improved – Jerrod Arredondo
Most Outstanding – Justin Gomez
Junior Varsity Girls
Most Improved – Allison Finnigan
Most Outstanding – Teara Burleson
Varsity Boys
Academic All-District – Herman Hernandez, Dylan Person, Quantez Johnson, Tristan Stieber, Adam Tipton and Michael Westerman
Captains: Jacob Salazar & Dylan Person
Newcomer of the Year – Adam Tipton
Most Improved – Michael Westerman
Lion Heart – Tristan Stieber
Most Valuable Athlete & Texas Cross Country Coaches Association All-State Team – Dylan Person
Varsity Girls
Academic All-District – Alex Bernal, Tori Burkett, Julianne Hood, Victoria Hood, Katy Jacobs, Jessica Romero, and Ashley Strong
Team Captains: Victoria Hood & Katy Jacobs
Newcomer of the Year – Julianne Hood
Most Improved – Jessica Romero
Most Improved – Ashley Strong
Lion Heart – Tori Burkett
Most Valuable Player – Katy Jacobs
