The Natalia Mustangs traveled to Poth for their Pre-District Meet last Wednesday morning. Noah Gilkey paced the Mustangs with a 2nd place individual finish.
Head Coach Kim Lane commented, “We had some huge improvements and we are geared up for District on Tuesday.”
Several Mustang and Lady Mustang runners accomplished personal bests as the most important races of the year are upon them.
“Noah Gilkey placed 2nd (17:08) only falling behind State medalist Wyatt Hoover of Poth,” Lane continued. “Noah is looking strong and ready to do big things come Regionals.”
Other strong performances turned in were Devin Chapa (19:50-27th), Logan Chapa (20:05- 31st), Daniel Tristan (21:02 -37th), Joseph Gonzalez (21:28-40th), Denton Nelson (22:51-48th), and David Rodriguez (22:57- 49th).
“I have a few athletes that want to be the top 7 varsity runners at district and are pushing each other to fill those final spots,” Lane said about the ‘friendly’ competition going on between teammates to push each other to do their best.
Lady Mustangs
As was the case with the Mustang XC runners, the Lady Mustangs showed much improvement over the course of the past week or so.
“Meg Martinez (15:14-35th), Tyli Ventimiglia (16:24-49th), Kendall Tanner (16:30-50th), and Karianna Sanchez (16:52-52nd) all had PRs this morning and have come leaps and bounds from the first meet.”
Coach Lane recognizes how tough Cross Country is and to have so many athletes improving this time of year is a tremendous accomplishment in itself.
“I am very proud of you!!!” Lane shouted out to the varsity Lady Mustang runners.
JVs
“My JV finished strong and has worked very hard each week as they keep improving and are fighting to improve,” Lane said about her younger runners.
Gianni Rios (22:56- 27th), Devin McDole (23:34-32nd), Abbi Thompson (19:24-16th), Jasmine Riso (21:31-17th), KevinRay Gutierrez (22:56-26th), and Josue Degollado (26:08-43rd).
By Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer