The Lions and Lady Lions cross country teams have had a great season and are moving forward to the 3A Region 1 meet in Lubbock on Saturday with their eyes on qualifying for state.
Both teams will compete at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock with the girls’ run at noon followed by the boys at 12:30pm.Head Cross Country Coach Don Hood is looking forward to the meet and states that his teams have a lot of heart and are giving their best efforts to make it to state; however there are some other talented teams to beat in the competition.
“The boys are ranked about 5th coming into the meet. Alvarado has the #1 team, Stephenville, Burkburnett and Andrews are probably the next four teams,” said Hood. “It’s hard to compare times because of the differences in courses – I think our District was held on a tough course, so I think we have a chance to exceed where we are ranked. Obviously, it will take five great performances again for that to happen, but I feel like our boys are moving in the right direction. It should be fun to give it our best shot.”
The girls’ team has also got a winning spirit and is determined to make it to the state meet. Hood explained that the girls’ race is a toss-up.
“Liberty Hill is supposed to be the best team in the region, they obviously didn’t have their best day at District, but I would still list them as the top team to beat. Lampasas, Pampa, Dalhart, Borger and Mineral Wells are all very capable of having good enough days to qualify if we aren’t at our best,” said Hood. “I think our girls are very determined to run well. They have all paid a tremendous price to get to this level and I think they will give every ounce of effort they can to get to State. We just have to hope that’s good enough to get us there.”
Throughout the season, the girls varsity has won 1st place as a team in 5 of their meets and the boys have also placed 1st in 5 meets with an additional 1st place in the Brownwood Reunion’s 10K race. Katy Jacobs leads the girls in performance with placing in the top 3 of five of the seasons meets. Dylan Person has 6 top three finishes in 5 meets and the Reunion 10K.
Coach Hood states that he is ready to see how the region meet turns out.
“I’m excited to see how we do. I think we are primed and ready for a great day,” Hood said. “We just have to go out and do what we can.”
Pictured above are the Brownwood High School varsity cross country teams after their District 5-3A championship win. Below, a local business shows support of these teams.
