Marble Falls Faith Academy runners make history at cross country state meet

CAPTION: The Faith Academy of Marble Falls cross country teams with their trophies from the boys and the girls Class 3A state meet Oct. 31. Courtesy photo

The Faith Academy of Marble Falls cross country teams made program history in that the Flames and Lady Flames each returned home with plaques from the cross country state meet of the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools Oct. 31.

The Flames finished fourth overall and the Lady Flames were third.

“For the First time in school history, the boys and girls were able to get on the podium in the same season with the boys on the podium for first time ever in program history,” head coach Steve McCannon said. “I am proud of that accomplishment as we try to have a team environment where we work hard together and compete together. I am really proud of our senior girls, Kara Kwan and Mackenzie Ahrlett, who were able to get on podium all four years.”

Both squads were paced by the Murphys.

Jett Murphy was second in the boys 5K race in 17 minutes and 26.9 seconds, while Asher Apel was 24th in 19:31.7, William Eppler was 35th in 20:27, Diego Chavira was 46th in 21:05, and Noah Frederick was 54th in 21:22.6. Will Lewis was 70th in 22:22.1

“Jett had a great race and is the first (Flame) to make the all-state team by finishing in the top 10,” McCannon said. “He has come a long way since last season, and his future is bright. He works hard and had a good race strategy. I am really proud of him leading us to the podium.“

The coach was equally proud of Apel.

“Asher was a late edition to the team and made a big difference,” he said. “Will and Asher both play football; at a small school you need athletes to step up and contribute to have a chance. “

Faith Murphy finished the girls two-mile race second overall in 12 minutes and 38.8 seconds. Claire Poage was 17th in 14:18.4, Ahrlett was 31st in 14:57.8, Kwan was 41st in 16:02, and Carly Owens finished 42nd in 16:03.3. Haley Kruger was 67th in 17:42.7 and Audri Poage was 76th in 18:07.

“We have high expectations each year in the girls program so to finish on the podium again is rewarding,” McCannon said. “The girls have been on the podium nine of the 15 years cross country has existed. They compete well as a team and have accountability to the team. I am really proud of them and will miss the seniors dearly. I know (Faith) will be a force during the track season.”

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