Melissa High School's girls cross country team will run at the UIL Class 5A state championships next weekend as a full team, after a third-place finish at regionals that the district says caps one of the most successful seasons in school history.
The Cardinals placed third overall at the UIL 5A Regional Championships on Oct. 20, earning a team berth at state, Melissa ISD announced Friday. The district says the team enters the state meet ranked No. 5 in Class 5A.
The state race is set for 8:15 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.
A young lineup
The six runners the district listed from the regional 5K included one senior, three sophomores and two freshmen, with a freshman posting the team's top time of 18:40. Over the season, the district says, the team brought home medals, set a number of personal records and won meet titles.
Varsity girls coach Zachary Hernandez credited the group's steady work. "I couldn't be more proud of these girls," Hernandez said in the district's announcement. "They have worked so diligently and maintained such a strong focus throughout the entire season."
He called the team "a testament to what happens when talent meets commitment."
