Cross country prepares for Regionals

By Melissa McCaghren

Slatonite GM

The quest to compete at State continues Monday (Oct. 28) when the Slaton Tiger Cross Country teams compete in Regionals.

Coach Landon Sims said they’ve been getting ready for the big race.

“We rested the Tuesday after District, picked it up again last Wednesday, did a normal week this past week. We have been injecting more speed into our workouts, preparing for a faster race,” he said.

The competition will be fierce, as only the top four teams and top 10 individuals not on those teams advance to run for the state gold.

“On the girls’ side, the main competition will teams such as Holiday, Wall, and representing our own district, Abernathy. On the boys’ side, we are in the mix, however we will have to contend with teams such as Tornillo, Presidio, Crane, Bushland and Boyd,” Sims said, adding there were several Tiger runners who have an excellent chance to advance.

He said he was proud of both teams advancing. “Having two teams represent us at regional is a testament to how hard these kids have worked. I am very proud of them. The time and effort they have put in has been amazing,” Sims said, adding they, along with the JV and Junior High, been running since June 11.

He’s proud too how leadership has come into play. “I have been amazed at the leadership of our upperclassman this year. Alice Cogburn and Mary Jo Parker have been a tremendous example of how to work hard, show up and do your job, they have been excellent role models for our Freshmen and Sophomore girls,” he said. “Zach Gonzales and Ty Kinch have taken these boys under their wing from day one, they deserve the credit for their leadership with our boys, they had a goal from day one and never lost site of it.”

The teams will race Monday at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock. The girls will race at 11 a.m., boys at 11:30. There is no charge, but Sims said parking may be a bit crowded.