Cross country teams from 30 East Texas schools competed last Friday morning at the Mineola Invitational. An early start time ensured safe conduct of the event and excellent conditions for racing.

The Mineola boys squad finished second in the 1A-3A division with a score of 70, just two points behind division winners Atlanta. The Mineola girls team placed third in their division, behind Ft. Worth Castleberry and Miller Grove. Running for Mineola were David Amador, Dalton Crowson, Carlos Galaz, Omar Galaz and Cris Alejo. Lady Jackets in competition were Juliana Stanley, Alyssa Lankford, Hannah Zoch, Shylah Kratzmeyer, Kapri Riley, Keilee Riley and Emly Wiley.

Quitman’s boys and girls teams finished in fifth and 13th place respectively. Bulldogs Brandon Jimenez, Diego Osornio, Aiden Corrior, Matthew Smith and Jace Reid raced for Quitman. Madyson Pence, Alexa Flores, Bonnie VanderSchaaf, Citlaly Flores, Joanna Santiago, Lizzy Herring and Cristina Ramirez composed the Lady Bulldog side.

Sulphur Springs captured first in the 5A-6A girls competition, while Ft. Worth Castleberry finished atop the 4A–6A boys. Castleberry also secured the JV girls division and the Brownsboro Bears claimed the JV boys title.

The one mile circuit started on the practice field behind the middle school, traversed behind the softball and baseball fields, proceeded east then southeast along the school property line before making a sharp right hand turn and reentering the practice field. As is the convention, 5A–6A girls and varsity boys ran three circuits, while the junior varsity squads and 1A–4A girls raced two circuits.

Upcoming cross country meets include: Alba-Golden @ Grace Cougars Invitational Sept. 14, Mineola and Quitman boys @ UT Tyler Sept. 7, Quitman girls @ Jesse Owens Complex, Dallas Sept. 14, and Yantis @ North Hopkins Sept. 5.