HS Cross Country: District 13-6A Cross Country Championship

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- The District 13-6A Cross Country Championship was an exhilarating event, with schools giving their all in hopes of earning a coveted spot at the regional meet.

The meet started with the Varsity Boys 5k. College Park pulled out a win, beating The Woodlands by a cumulative time of 15:36 compared to the Highlanders 15:41. Grand Oaks followed behind with a 16:41, being the last team to qualify for regionals.

The Cavaliers Junior Camden Gibson and The Highlanders Sophomore Tyler Hedgepeth were neck and neck throughout the first mile, both clocking in at 5:01. By the second mile, Gibson took the lead, creating a 7-second gap between him and Hedgepeth, and ultimately securing first place with a time of 15:17. Not far behind, Gibson's teammate Junior Yannick Broos claimed third place. The Cavaliers dominated the top ten, taking every odd-numbered position, while The Woodlands secured the even numbers. Grand Oaks managed to snag a top 15 finish from Senior Eli Smith's 16:24 and a 17,18,19, and 24th finish.

The Varsity Girls 5K was dominated by The Woodlands in an average time of 18:46.6. Following them was Grand Oaks, at 19:55.6, and for the first time since Joining District 13, Willis High School with a time of 20:16.8

The Highlanders had 6 of their 7 girls in the top ten, and all 5 of their pointers in the top 6. The race was led by Senior UIW Stoya Laydevant, who’s been a familiar face to the front of the district race for the past 3 years but has fallen short of the title finally had her moment to shine taking first by 21 seconds with a 17:59. Following her was teammate Sophomore Naomi Weller in a time of 18:20. For the first time in this district Willis had not one but two of their athletes, freshman Paloma De Paz and Freshman Lilly Beakely place in the top ten, being crucial parts in the team's 3rd place finish. In second was Grand Oaks with a 2nd place finish from Senior Keara Zver in 3rd place, stripping the woodlands of their 1-5 placing. The Grizzlies also had strong performances from sophomore Kaitlyn Bates in 11th and Freshman Torrie Mcgowen in 13th.