Marble Falls cross country competes well at Austin ISD Invitational

CAPTION: Marble Falls High School boys cross country runners Hudson Brantley (front row, left), Jahir Garcia, JJ Walker, Owen Martin Joaquim Edwards, Santiago Gaytan, Hudson Dehorty; Landon Fletcher (back row, left), Taylor Alford, Tanner Alford, Graham Goggans, Connor Yaklin, Brazos White, Logan Hargraves and Colton Rutland compete at the Austin Independent School District Invitational. Courtesy photos

The Marble Falls High School cross country program competed at the Austin Independent School District Invitational hosted by Austin Bowie Sept. 5.

The Mustangs finished ninth out of 27 teams, while the Lady Mustangs were 14th out of 21 teams. Both teams competed on the 5K course.

Joaquim Edwards, Jahir Garcia and J.J. Walker each ran new personal bests. Edwards finished in 18 minutes and 36.10 seconds, shattering his old mark of 20:19.7. Garcia finished in 18:41.20, and his old mark was 19:25. Walker finished in 20:21.50 and his old time was 20:26.

The Mustangs continue to be led by Graham Goggans and Owen Martin, who finished 27th and 33rd overall.

“The boys showed great improvement in closing gaps during the race,” head coach Brenda Gonzalez said. “Our leaders, Graham and Owen, both ran season bests, and our freshmen — Joaquim, Jahir and J.J. — had big breakthroughs with personal records. They competed hard against tough competition, and it feels like we’re slowly putting the pieces together as we approach championship season.”

CAPTION: The Marble Falls High School girls cross country team includes Reese Massey (left), Katerina Mosely, Savannah Hamblin, Sapana Khatri, Fallon Gibson, Marlei Faz, Graci Nelson, Hadalye Hernandez, Sonoma Damuth and Abbie Henderson. Courtesy photo

The Lady Mustangs, who normally run on the two-mile course, competed in the 5K race with other Class 5A and 6A programs. Reese Massey paced Marble Falls by finishing 24th overall.

“I loved the grit and toughness from our girls,” Gonzalez said. “For many, this was their first-ever 5K, and they really stepped up. Reese led the way with a top 25 finish in the low 21s, followed closely by Sapana Khatri and Savannah Hamblin, who both looked strong. The rest of the group handled the challenge well. This race served as a great training opportunity, and I’m excited to see them back at the 3,200-meter distance this week. Overall, I’m really proud of how they embraced the moment.”

Gonzalez noted the course provided the challenges she wanted her runners to face.

“It was a great course to race on – mostly flat with just slight inclines,” she said. “It offered a fair, competitive layout for the runners and was also excellent for spectators to follow the action.”

And she noted they are learning more and more each week about what it takes to succeed.

“As a program, we’re continuing to learn how to run a race on purpose and for a purpose,” she said. “Each week is another step toward building confidence, toughness and the mindset we’ll need for championship season.”

Marble Falls will compete at the Salado Tenroc Invitational Thursday, Sept. 11.

RESULTS

BOYS

Varsity, ninth overall

27, Graham Goggans, 17:30.30; 33, Owen Martin, 17:40.90; 61, Joaquim Edwards, 18:36.10; 64, Jahir Garcia, 18:41.20; 73, Logan Hargraves, 18:48.90; 114, Brazos White, 19:54.60; 130, J.J. Walker, 20:21.50; 132, Colton Rutland, 20:26.90; 145, Santiago Gaytan, 21:00.40; 169, Connor Yaklin, 22:09.30

Junior varsity

4, Landon Fletcher, 22:59-80; 5, Hudson Dehorty, 23:02.10; 18, Tanner Alford, 28:08.60; 22, Taylor Alford, 27:43.30

GIRLS

Varsity, 14th overall

24, Reese Massey, 21:18.80; 77, Sapana Khatri, 23:32.30; 88, Savannah Hamblin, 24:08.10; 93, Graci Nelson, 24:19.80; 126, Katerina Moseley, 25:50.70; 139, Hadalye Hernandez, 26:38.40; 146, Sonoma Damuth, 27:13.90; 156, Abigail Henderson, 27:50.10

Junior varsity

19, Fallon Gibson, 29:15.80; 20, Marlei Faz, 29:17.30