Marble Falls cross country preparing for start of official practices

CAPTION: As a true freshman in 2024, Marble Falls runner Reese Massey may have surprised people with her prowess by qualifing for the Class 4A state meet. But she didn’t surprise herself, her coaches or her teammates. File photo

While mandatory Marble Falls High School cross country practices will begin Monday, July 21, head coach Brenda Gonzalez noted the runners have been participating in voluntary workouts for several weeks.

“It takes incredible discipline, commitment, and heart to show up day after day, running long distances that most wouldn’t even walk,” she said.

Using the Marble Falls Independent School District’s sports app, Gonzalez creates “individualized weekly running plans based on each athlete’s ability and experience.”

Though the University Interscholastic League, the governing body of extracurricular activities for public schools, allows cross country to conduct year-around training, Gonzalez noted there is a limitation of three hours per week.

For the first time, the program is entering a season without a proven leader and winner. The last several years the program had Nick Dahl, who graduated in 2024, and Tyler Hamblin, who graduated in 2025.

“Tyler’s graduation definitely leaves big shoes to fill,” said Gonzalez, who is entering her second year at the helm. “He was an incredible leader who set an example for younger athletes – many of whom learned a lot just by being around him. Now, I’m eager to see who rises to take on that role.”

She noted the program has plenty. The Mustangs “return a strong varsity group: Owen Martin, Graham Goggans, Logan Hargraves, Colton Rutland and Connor Yaklin. For the girls, Reese Massey is back as a state qualifier, joined by rising junior Ines Ruiz and sophomores Savannah Hamblin and Hadalye Hernandez. I’m also excited about returners like Abbie Henderson, Santiago Gaytan, Landon Fletcher and Hudson Dehorty, plus a talented group of incoming freshmen and new faces.”

This year’s motto is “Plant the seed. Run the legacy.” With about 15 weeks before the Class 4A state cross country meet, the summer is about “planting the seed – laying the foundation through effort, attitude and habits,” the coach said.

She wants the runners to establish discipline and consistency that’s created through daily habits built now that will carry through the season; build a strong team culture through encouraging each other on runs to hold each other accountable; and develop mental toughness while combating the summer heat, solo miles and early mornings that always “test athletes in ways that forge resilience.”

But Gonzalez noted the next several weeks will lead the Mustangs and Lady Mustangs to the finish line and to the podium.

“This summer is key,” she said. “It’s when true leadership begins to surface.”

When the first mandatory practice is called, the runners will be four weeks from their first meet of the new season.

“We’re building something special – not just for this season, but for the legacy of the program,” Gonzalez said. “These athletes are learning what it means to show up with purpose, to work when no one’s watching, and to lead with heart. Our goal is to make this a season to remember – one rooted in faith, fueled by grit and defined by unity.”