Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
The Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas came out recently with its preseason poll ranking the top 10 teams they think have a chance to make a splash during the upcoming 2024 season.
To no one’s surprise, Lytle ranks right near the top in both the boys’ and girls’ poll as the Pirate runners are ranked second while the Lady Pirates are ranked third.
Head Coach Gilbert Ruiz realizes preseason rankings are nice and all, but it is the ranking in Round Rock that matters most once the season is said and done in early November.
“There are over 1,300 schools that will participate in UIL XC this year with 234 being in 3A,” Ruiz stated. “Every school has the same opportunity to win two state trophies each year with one on the girls side and one on the boys side.”
Let’s be real, it is incredible to be able to accomplish one of those goals of bringing home a state trophy in any sport in either men’s or women’s competition. However, Ruiz emphatically points out that Lytle has a distinction that not too many other programs can boast.
“In the last three years combined, however, only one school has brought home all six and that is Class 5A Lucas Lovejoy and only two schools have brought back 5 trophies which is 6A Southlake Carroll and THE 3A LYTLE PIRATES!!!!”
With their relay meet at Pieper Ranch behind them, and a full season ahead, Lytle looks to make their fourth straight appearance at State on the girls’ side while the boys are shooting for an incredible seventh consecutive shot at a State Title.
“We hope we can continue on the path that was set by all those that came before them.”
Boys ranking
1st San Antonio Great Hearts Northern Oaks, 2nd Lytle, 3rd Holliday, 4th Eustace, 5th East Bernard, 6th Jim Ned, 7th Lubbock Roosevelt, 8th UC Randolph, 9th Troy, 10th Clifton.
Girls ranking
1st Holliday, 2nd East Bernard, 3rd Lytle, 4th McGregor, 5th Pilot Point, 6th Dalhart, 7th UC Randolph, 8th Poth, 9th Alpine, 10th Canadian,