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West passes regional test: Wolves XC places third, bound for state
BY Matt Welch, mwelch@starlocalnews.com
It'd be apt to say the Plano West cross country team's season hasn't been defined by one particular runner, but more so the Wolves as a collective unit.
That was evident at the District 10-5A Meet and after Saturday's Region II Meet from Vandergriff Park in Arlington, that group will enjoy a spot on cross country's premier stage together after the West boys qualified for the Class 5A Cross Country State Championships.
"I am always proud of all the Plano West runners, both the boys and girls," said Richard Grubbs, West head coach, "and we accomplished all but one goal that we set for the regional meet."
"They are like brothers," Grubbs said, "so they enjoy doing anything together, especially if they think it aggravates me."
Just as West's team has carved out a foothold among the area's best, at the forefront of it has been Grant Copeland, who followed up his 10-5A title by placing third Saturday (15:08.60). Walter Edstrom was next for the Wolves (20th place, 15:08.60), followed by Drew Megura (24th, 15:52.90), Luis Cuenca (26th, 15:55.80) and Mike Coopman (47th, 16:24.70).
West was bested only by The Woodlands (35) and The Woodlands College Park (77).
Those two schools also made the cut in the girls race with The Woodlands completing a regional sweep (51), followed by Humble Kingwood (59) and College Park (65).
Allen, which had also won a district championship, placed sixth on the girls side (190). The Lady Eagles were led by Katherine Allen's 15th-place run (18:21.50). Allen was complemented by Maggie Gaudio (37th, 19:16.40), Hailey Jensen (43rd, 19:30.50), Paula Florencia (54th, 19:46.10) and Emily Fannin (61st, 19:54.20).
"The team did a great job at the regional meet," said Kirk Trent, Allen head coach. "Every girl on the team either tied or set a new personal record at the toughest meet of the year. As a coach, that is all I can ask of my runners."
The Lady Eagles finished 17 points better than 10-5A foe West, which took seventh (207).
Valarie Bradley led the Lady Wolves in 28th place (18:50.60) with Savannah Borgsmiller (33rd, 19:05.30), Arielle Surles (39th, 19:23.10), Zoie Wilson (63rd, 19:54.70) and Sage McAdams (64th, 19:54.90) following their teammate.
West and Allen were both making returns to Vandergriff after having competed there Sept. 8 for the UTA Gerald Richey Invitational.
"The course was the same," Grubbs said, "other than that it was slightly warmer and the competition was tougher than September."
Among the other teams making the trek to Arlington for the second time was the Plano East boys, which finished seventh (224). Kevin Rojas was barely denied a spot in the state meet after finishing 11th (15:31.90) -- a time just two-and-a-half seconds behind College Park's James Wolhart in 10th.
The rest of the Panthers included Phillip Metcalfe (37th, 16:10.90), Jack Meeks (48th, 16:25.60), Casey Lackey (62nd, 16:37.70) and Sam Reyes (87th, 17:02.00).
The Lady Panthers were also in attendance Saturday, tallying 13th place (354). Mona Azzo was the top East finisher in 41st (19:25.30) and she was joined by Kelsee Wilding (76th, 20:17.20), Coral Bunch (84th, 20:36.80), Maggie Crossland (93rd, 20:54.50) and Shelby Sparks (97th, 20:57.90).
The West boys were the lone entrants to advance for one more week of competition, culminating at 9:30 a.m. Saturday from Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.
"They should enjoy the experience," Grubbs said, "but, not be distracted by the experience."
For continued news and coverage on the local sports scene, follow @MWelchSCN on Twitter.
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