Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
Texas High School Coaches Association recognized Lytle Head Cross Country coach Gilbert Ruiz July 15 in Houston. Ruiz was presented his ring at the Hall of Honor Banquet for his squad’s State Championship performance in November of last year.
In attendance along with Ruiz was Lytle Athletic Director Lori Wilson and numerous elite coaches, athletic directors, and fellow state champions from around the state of Texas..
Wilson stated, “It was my honor to escort him to the banquet for the night. Although he did not smile in any of the pictures I got of him, believe me he was smiling throughout the banquet.”
Ruiz, assistant coach Sebastian Benavides, and Pirate runners Johnny Alvarez, Brandon Obando, Robert Wagner, Abel Sanchez, Yandel Esquivez, Tristan Lopez, and Luke Estrada not only took the top spot in Round Rock, they also finished the year having won every meet in which they had a full team competing, which is a minimum of five runners.
At State, Lytle scored 72 points to beat runner-up Eustace who had 82. Great Hearts Northern Oaks was a distant third place with 126 points.
“Congratulations to the State XC boys, his staff and most of all Coach Ruiz!! It was a night we will remember forever! It was a great night for Lytle, Texas. It was so deserving!” Wilson said in conclusion.