Cross Country Girls win Regionals and advance to State

Kilgore’s Cross Country girls attended and won regionals at Lynn Creek park in Grande Prairie on Oct. 23.

“My favorite part [about the meet] was that I got to hang [out] with everyone and got to know them,” freshman Maria Whitaker said.

Six varsity girls achieved fourth place as a team with a total of 174 points, right behind Gilmer. Out of 180 girls in total, Zoe Carven placed first, finishing in 11 minutes and 49.89 seconds. Right behind was Cristina Rosas placing in 28, Emma Taylor placing 39, Maria Whitaker placing 53, Estrella Galvan placing 99, Meliza Vega placing in 110 and Jackie Estrella placing 120. Freshman Skylar Howell also attended as an alternate.

Kilgore’s Cross Country girls will be attending the state competition on Saturday, Nov. 4 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

“This is my first year running long distance, what motivates me is to actually pass that finish line with all my power and to beat everyone I can!” freshman Jackie Estrella said.

Cross Country girls have been practicing nonstop and have achieved their goal of advancing to the state meet.

“To get through the pain, I just tell myself, ‘You can do it. Keep going; your team needs you. The race is almost over,’” Whitaker said.

This is Kilgore’s first time ever in history to attend state with girls’ Cross Country. Coach Heidi Hagan and these girls deserve applauding for this accomplishment.