According to Hood, with the level of competition the girls were up against from Liberty Hill (Ranked 3rd in Class 3A) and Lampasas (Ranked 7th in Class 3A), they had to meet a specific goal to come out on top. “We felt that to win we would have to have at least four girls run 12:50 or better and we did that exactly,” said Hood. “It was thrilling to see them compete at such a high level under pressure.”
The finishers on the BHS girls cross country team were, Sr. Katy Jacobs – 12:44 (2nd place), Fr. Julianne Hood – 12:45 (4th), Fr. Tori Burkett – 12:46 (5th), Jr. Victoria Hood – 12:50 (10th), Fr. Ashley Strong – 13:27 (19th), Jr. Alex Bernal – 13:27 (20th), and Soph. Jeane Standridge – 13:50 (25th).
The girls overall team scores were, Brownwood 40, Lampasas – 42, Liberty Hill 64, Burnet 109, Gatesville 112, Llano 167.
In addition to the victory for the BHS girls, the BHS boys cross country team also finished first at the contest. “The boys were the favorites coming into the meet,” said Hood. “That’s a tough position to be in, but they responded to the challenge and dominated the team race.”
Runners on the BHS boys cross country team were, Jr. Dylan Person – 16:38 – (2nd place), Jr. Tristan Steiber – 18:08 (7th), Sr. Jacob Salazar – 18:13 (8th), Jr. Adam Tipton – 18:25 (10th), Sr. Michael Westerman – 18:31 (11th), Sr. Quantez Johnson – 19:37 (27th), and Sr. German Hernandez – 19:41 (28th).
The boys overall team scores were Brownwood 38, Liberty Hill 66, Gatesville 69, Llano 99, Lampasas 116 and Burnet 118.
“The boys have overcome a huge lack of experience to turn themselves into a very tough and competitive XC team,” Hood said noting that over half of their team graduated last year. “These new guys and the returners have worked extremely hard to win this championship. Four of our top five equaled or surpassed their personal bests at this race. It was a great day for them.”
Other competition highlights included Brownwood High School freshman, Jessica Romero winning the JV girls race, and sophomore Justin Gomez winning the JV boys race.
“A great deal of credit has to go to Stefenia Phipps and Brandon Brown at Brownwood Intermediate School and our Elementary PE teachers providing opportunities for the kids at those grade levels to get a taste of XC and get some running under their belts,” said Hood. “Judy Kennedy at the middle school has been a tremendous supporter of XC and plays a huge role in the success of our girls program. I can’t say enough about how important it is to get these kids running at an early age. It gives them an opportunity to experience success.”
Pictured above are the BHS varsity teams and coaches. Below are varsity and junior girls and boys teams. Photos contributed.
