Runners earn top awards in District

By Melissa McCaghren

Slatonite GM

The Slaton High School Boys Cross Country Team won the District Championship and Girls finished third Monday afternoon (Oct. 14) at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock. Both teams qualified for Regional.

Mary Jo Parker lead the girl’s finishers placing second with a time of 13:08. Individuals results were Alice Cogburn, third, 13:22; Kathryn Castillo, 11th, 14:13; Emily Herrera, 27th 15:14; Kristin Chavarin, 29th, 15:24; and  Emma Muniz, 36th, 16:16. Parker and Cogburn also qualified as individual runners for Regional.

For the boys, Ty Kinch lead the Slaton finishers, earning second place with a time of 18:08. Also finishing were Zach Gonzales, third, 18:33; Ishmal Gonzales, sixth, 18:41; Christian Perales, 13th, 19:52; Elijah Culver, 17th  20:41; Isaiah Chapa, 25th, 21:15; and Ivan Venzor, 38th, 24:29. Kinch, Z. Gonzales and I. Gonzales all qualified as individual Regional qualifiers.

Coach Landon Sims said he was proud of the teams’ successes.  “I am extremely proud of each and every one of these kids,” he said.

“The girls overcame a lot just to finish third place. We have had several injuries throughout the year and have changed personnel several times during the season. They really ran with heart and determination.

“As far as the boys go, I cannot say enough about their effort, this is a very tough District and to come out as Champions of this District is quite an accomplishment,” he added, saying Slaton was the only school to have both teams advance to Regional. “That says a lot about the determination and effort of our kids.”

The team now competes at Regional Oct. 28 at Mae Simmons Park. Girls will run at 11 a.m., Boys at 11:30 a.m.