Marble Falls cross country improves times at Hays Invitational

CAPTION: Marble Falls sophomore Blake Cockrell was one of several runners who set new personal bests at the Buda Hays Invitational. Courtesy photo

Marble Falls High School head cross country coach Chris Schrader called the results at the Buda Hays Invitational Sept. 17 a “silver lining” because of the way the Lady Mustangs performed in the longer 5K race than what they’re running in Class 4A.

“The girls performed admirably in the longer race and came away with some solid times,” he said.

Freshman Tori Thompson finished 10th in the junior varsity race, clocking 22 minutes and 38.56 seconds. Sophomore Chloe Ellis came in 15th place in 23:06.20, and freshman Carmella Lozano was 53rd in 25:29.27.

“(That’s) an excellent step in the right direction and a strong indication of increasing fitness,” Schrader said. “We are headed in the right direction.”

Schrader was equally happy with the Mustangs.

Sophomore Tyler Hamblin finished fourth in 16:40.11, running 19 seconds faster than his old personal best of 16.59.

Sophomore Blake Cockrell crossed the finish line in 17:44 for 21st place. His time is 26 seconds faster than his his old personal record of 18:10.

Sophomore Ezekiel Atkinson was 49th in 18:54.31, four seconds off his 2021 personal record.

“He continues to regain his 2021 fitness level,” Schrader said.

In the junior varsity race, sophomore Marco Almazan came in fourth in 18:59.84, “a huge 41 seconds faster than his 2021 personal best,” Schrader said.

Freshman Malin Nelson ran a great race of 34:04 for 152nd place.

“And more significantly, it was 2:57 faster than his previous personal record in the 5,000 meters from last week,” Schrader said. “With each passing day the boys and girls on our small team are seeing big fitness gains.”

Marble Falls will compete at the Round Rock McNeil Invitational Friday, Sept. 23. The boys will run the 5,000 meters and the girls will run the 3,200 meters.

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CAPTION: Marble Falls runners Carmella Lozano (left) Chloe Ellis prepare to make their moves to breakaway from the pack. Courtesy photo