By Moses Leos III.
Hays and Lehman high school cross country teams competed at the 27-4A district meet at Starke Park in Seguin on Thursday.
It was a banner day for three Hays CISD athletes, who individually finished in the top 15.
Hays’ Esteban Villalpando finished in second place overall with a time of 16:18, advancing to region in the individual division.
Also advancing to region was Hays’ Esmi Fuentes, who finished in third place with a time of 19:48.
Hays cross country coach Matt Wilke was impressed with the finish from his athletes.
At top: Hays cross country runners Esteban Villalpando and Esmi Fuentes show off their medals that they won at the District Meet on Oct. 24. Villalpando, who won individual silver in the Boys division, and Fuentes, who won individual bronze in the Girls, were two of three Hays CISD cross country runners who placed in the top 15 during the meet at Starke Park in Seguin. (Courtesy photo) |
“I am very pleased with the race at the district level,” Wilke said in an emailed response. “They both ran a very good race on a tough course.”
Rounding out the individual awards was Lehman’s Nick Wittkopp, who finished in 11th place overall.
Teamwise, the Rebel Boys team, consisting of Villalpando, Ken Belden, Ian Blount, Jason Peed and Jiro Daniels, placed third at district, and will advancee to region.
Wilke hopes to see his team and individuals advance to state.
“At regionals we are looking to place in the top 10 to go to State,” Wilke said. “With a little under 200 runners this weekend the field will be tough but I think that we can do it.”
The regional meet will take place at the National Shooting Complex in San Antonio this Saturday.
