When the first day of preseason practices arrived Aug. 1, members of the Hays Rebel boys cross country team took stock of a trophy displayed in head coach Traci Hightower’s office.
The item itself wasn’t the motivation behind the visit. What it took to earn that trophy, claimed by winning the 25-6A boys cross country team title in 2018, meant enough for the runners to remind themselves of the fruits hard work can cultivate.
For Hightower, that form of motivation is key for a program that aims for continued success in 2019.
“We remind ourselves that (going to region and state) is a tradition and what’s expected of Hays cross country,” Hightower said. “Each person has to put their best effort, make sacrifices and make sure they’re carrying that tradition on.”
Overall, Hightower said the Rebel cross country teams are a cohesive group that regularly trains and supports one another. All members of the team are “goal oriented” and rally together to “get that done,” Hightower said.
Leading that charge on the girls team is Rebel sophomore Abby Parra who returns after reaching state in both cross country and in track and field in 2018. Even with the success during her first year, Hightower said Parra is the “same old Abby” and continues to help motivate and push her teammates.
While Parra aims at another trip to state, Hightower said the goal is attempting to get her closer to the front of the pack. In 2018, Parra finished 18th out of 150 competitors in the 6A girls state meet.
Getting more runners from the girls team to advance to region and state is also a program goal in 2019. Adia Vera and Logan Ferris, who are “fighters and competitors” and are the “spirit of the team,” will also be leaned on for guidance, Hightower said.
“We want to try to get more girls on the bus to region and get more of those girls on the bus to state,” Hightower said.
On the boys side, senior Jaden Tumale will lead a group that seeks to repeat as district champions. Hightower said winning state was an “out of body experience” for the boys team, who plan to experience the same thrill of winning the district title again this year.
While the boys team scouts their competitors, Hightower said doing what they can control is important this season.
“We keep them grounded. This is our domain and what we can control. When we get into October, we’ll reap the rewards and do what we can do,” Hightower said.
Hays will host a cross country meet Sept. 21 at Waterleaf Park in Kyle. The 25-6A district meet will be held Oct. 15 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.
