As the year marches on, one sport that is close to its season ending is cross country. The boys team finished second to Dayton at last year’s district meet, and they will return to the same course at Atascocita High School on Oct. 9 to challenge for a district title.
“We always look to be the best,” coach Andrew Higham said. “So, we’re looking to fight for that number one spot coming up this Thursday.”
After last season, cross country graduated two of its best runners in seniors Carson Brown and Elijah Merino. The two medaled in meets throughout the year and both qualified for the State Meet.
Merino placed 8th at State with a time of 15:53.20 and Brown placed 11th with a time of 16:00.30. It was the best finishes in program history.
“We lost two really good runners last year with Eljah and Carson, but we reloaded with some really good runners as well,” Higham said.
One of the best returning runners is sophomore Bo Barnt, who holds the 2.5 mile run record for the team at 11 minutes 19 seconds. Last year, he was the team’s Freshman Runner of the Year and 1st team all-district.
The team also added junior Brett Peveto, a transfer from Grand Oaks. He has been one of the top performers for the team this season. He was sidelined with an injury three weeks ago and now hopes to return strong for tomorrow’s district meet.
“I show up to practice 15 minutes early, and do a longer warmup than everyone else to prevent an injury,” Peveto said. “We have a good chance at beating Dayton, so I’m gonna do the same thing tomorrow and hope it works.”
The top freshman on varsity is Mason Merino, who is the younger brother of Elijah Merino. He has the fastest 5K time amongst this year’s freshman and the fifth fastest time overall on varsity.
“I’m hoping to beat my brother’s record,” Merino said. “I already beat his record last year at (Kingwood) middle school for the 2400 (meter run) by 30 seconds. So I’m hoping to do the same for the records he set here, and beat other records that he hasn’t broken yet.”
In addition, Mason Merino wants to help the Panthers bring the district title back to Kingwood Park.
“I think we’re getting better as a team,” Merino said. “If we all get top 10 or top 8, we’re definitely getting district champions for sure.”
With a young team, Higham hopes his squad can come together in the season’s biggest meets.
“The biggest challenge, you know, with our group is we have a lot of young guys on our team,” Higham said. “Just understanding that they’re fast, and to not get intimidated by other runners that are out there, and that they have a place out there as well.”
With new and returning faces competing this season, they hope they can use their chemistry in order to win their district championship.
“Just wish us luck tomorrow,” Peveto said. “Hopefully we can beat Dayton, and then we’ll make it to regionals.”
