Cross country competed in Tuesday’s UIL 5A Region II meet at Lynn Creek Park in hopes of qualifying for state as a team, but fell short. However, three Redhawk were able to qualify individually with juniors Sydni Wilkins and Shristi Shetty, along with senior Andrew Jauregui, making the cut. 

“On the boys’ team, one of our top guys was injured which made it difficult for us to advance as a team so we’re fortunate we were able to get one individual to qualify,” coach Ben Manning. “On the girls’ side, they were dealing with the same problems and they finished 6th overall, just on the cusp of qualifying as a team, which was heartbreaking but we’re still extremely proud of the two who did get to qualify.”

For the runners who qualified, coach Manning wants them to shoot for individual accolades and to just experience the state championship itself.

“The kids won’t be able to go for any team accolades, but there are definitely individual performances that they can go for, going for a high placement or setting personal records at a course they haven’t been to,” Manning said. “The state championship is such a unique experience so I want them to enjoy and have a great time while competing against the best Texas has to offer.”

Junior Sydni Wilkins, who placed 3rd, ran into problems at the meet, but it didn’t deter her from performing her best to qualify.

“This meet had a lot of issues because of the weather the day before, it made most of the course unusable so we had to run a 1 mile loop 3 times,” Wilkins said. “Even though a lot of change was thrown at us, we adapted well and I’m super happy with my individual results, but it would’ve been so much fun to go to state as a team.”

Senior Andrew Jauregui is making his way back to state after last year, looking to make it memorable for his last run.

“I’m excited that I got to find my way back to state, especially since the competition was difficult for us to qualify as a team, and it’s a great feeling to make it all the way in my last year,” Jauregui said. “Last year I placed low 60s so I’m looking to improve my time and placement while just enjoying this last run.”