Marble Falls cross country performs well at relay meet

CAPTION: Marble Falls High School cross country runners Connor Yaklin (left), Owen Martin, Brazos White and Logan Hargraves compete in the Mud, Sweat and Cheers Relay Aug. 16. Photo by Marble Falls cross country head coach Brenda Gonzalez

The Marble Falls High School boys cross country team finished third at the Mud, Sweat and Cheers Relay Aug. 16.

In the Class 1A-4A boys varsity division, the team of Owen Martin, Connor Yaklin, Logan Hargraves and Graham Goggans was done in 33 minutes and 31.10 seconds. In the girls division, the Marble Falls A team of Reese Massey, Savannah Hamblin and freshmen Sapana Khatri and Kat Moseley finished sixth in 43:14.39.

Each runner’s time wasn’t recorded. However, the athletes each ran 1.5 miles for a total of six miles.

“The first mile was on a traditional cross country course, while the second half included hay bales, creek crossings and a mud section,” Marble Falls head coach Brenda Gonzalez said. “The meet had a much larger turnout than we expected. There were about 36 teams overall, with divisions split into 1A–4A and 5A–6A. Even though our team was scored within the 1A–4A division, all varsity teams raced together. It provided some excellent competition and a great atmosphere.”

Gonzalez said she was pleased with Mustangs’ overall performance.

“Running the opening leg, it was easier to see where Owen stacked up against the field, and he kept us close to the leaders with a strong run,” she said. “Graham Goggans also closed the race well for us. Connor Yaklin and Logan Hargraves gave us solid middle legs to keep us in contention.”

The coach also enjoyed watching the other Mustangs compete.

“I was really encouraged by what I saw from junior Brazos White, sophomore Santiago Gaytan and freshman Jahir Garcia,” she said. “Our junior varsity boys also looked strong and competitive.”

Gonzalez is equally enthusiastic about the Lady Mustangs, noting Massey, Hamblin and the two freshmen used their strong legs to compete well and turned in great effort.

“I’m very excited about our girls,” she said. “Like the boys, they showed a lot of promise. We’re a young group with five sophomores and the rest freshmen, but I liked what I saw. This is a group that will continue to grow and improve throughout the season.”

Gonzalez said her runners are ready to face what’s next this season.

“This meet was perfect to shake off the first-race nerves in a fun way and build team chemistry,” she said. “The format allowed us to compete hard while also laughing and enjoying the unique challenges of the course. I selected the teams, but the athletes chose their relay legs, which gave them a chance to strategize and truly run for one another. Just like in a traditional race, the whole lineup matters – not just the front runners. Watching their competitiveness and encouragement for each other was one of the best parts.”

Marble Falls will compete in the Vista Ridge Invitational at Vista Ridge High School in Cedar Park Friday, Aug. 22.

CAPTION: The Marble Falls High School girls country runners are Graci Nelson (left), Reese Massey, Savannah Hamblin (wearing the backward cap), Katerina Moseley and Sapana Khatri; Sonoma Damuth (behind Hamblin, left), Abbie Henderson, and Hadalye Hernandez (far back, left). Photo by Marble Falls cross country head coach Brenda Gonzalez