The Hays boys cross-country team (l-r) Michael Normand, Ryan McSpadden, Logan Lindsey, Anthony Lewis, Heath Agnew, Jason Peed, and Tom Ayers qualified for this weekend’s regional race in San Antonio along with teammate Mariana Sigala, who qualified as an individual. Lehman’s girls team also qualified, as did Lobo star runner Ramon Martinez. (Courtesy photo)
by JASON GORDON
Representatives from both Hays’ and Lehman’s boys and girls cross-country teams advanced past the district level and will compete in San Antonio at the regional meet at the NSC Complex on Saturday.
Lehman’s girls team and Hays’ boys team finished third at the District 27-4A race in Lockhart last Thursday to advance to regionals. In addition, Lady Rebel Mariana Sigala and Lobo runner Ramon Martinez both finished fourth overall to advance as individuals.
The top three teams and top 10 individuals at the regional race will advance to the UIL State Cross Country Championships at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock on Nov. 12.
“District wasn’t exactly what I expected, but that’s what makes these races really fun to watch,” Hays head coach Cliff Buckley said. “Everything worked out perfectly for our boys. Any other day our girls would have advanced as a team, but they just didn’t run their race. I’m very happy for our boys team and for Miriana, who has obviously been strong all year. Regionals should be interesting.”
Hays boys advancing to regionals are: Ryan McSpadden, Michael Normand Heath Agnew, Tom Ayers, Logan Lindsey, Jason Peed and Anthony Lewis.
Lady Lobos advancing to regionals are: Ashley Morgan, Amara Smith, Pressley Bailey, Ofelia Negrete, Ashley Martinez, Bianca Meza and Cora Johnston.
“Some of the girls on varsity have been striving for an opportunity to go to regionals since freshman year,” said Lehman girls coach Monica Tovar. “I knew we were in a tough district and needed to work from start to finish and we did exactly that. They are a group of young athletes that work very hard.”
Lehman boys head coach Jay Sansom said Martinez has overcome a lot to make it back to regionals.
“He made it as a freshman and sophomore and was out all year with an injury as a junior,” Sansom said. “To make it back to this level as a senior says a lot about his work ethic. You never know what’s going to happen in these races, and we expect a tough field at regionals, but a trip to state would be a great thing if he can get there.”
