Marble Falls, Burnet runners take final turn to regionals
CAPTION: The Marble Falls High School boys cross country team is ready to compete at the regional meet with the aim of returning to the state meet. Photo by Martelle Luedecke/Luedecke Photography
Burnet and Marble Falls high school runners have been practicing for the last two weeks for the next important meet — the Class 4A Region III championship.
That meet is Monday, Oct. 21, at Kate Barr Ross Memorial Park, 486 State Highway 75 North in Huntsville. The girls compete at 9:30 a.m. and the boys run at 10 a.m.
Marble Falls head coach Brenda Gonzalez said the practices leading up to the regional meet have been “good.”
“I think they’re ready,” she said. “We want to see how they’re going to do individually and as a team.”
Because the race day is Monday, Gonzalez changed up the practice schedule last week, giving the runners the day off Oct. 16 after two days of practices.
“We didn’t go as hard (Oct. 17),” she said. “We’re not used to this (cooler) weather. I see them ready.”
Marble Falls senior Tyler Hamblin and sophomores Owen Martin and Colton Rutland are returning to regionals after competing there a year ago. Other runners are Graham Goggans, Matthew Ozuna, Brazos White and Connor Yaklin.
Hamblin enters the race as the individual district champion and the undisputed Marble Falls leader. Because of his experience at the meet, he has shared his knowledge of the course with his teammates, Gonzalez said.
“Tyler is pretty good at summarizing the course to the team,” she said. “He tells them about the hills, where there’s concrete. He’s been able to describe the course to the team.”
The coach indicated the runners have used their practices to the fullest, are eating right, resting and getting the appropriate sleep that all leads to success during meets.
“I’m excited,” she said. “I feel we can have multiple athletes moving on. I think the guys are ready. It’s a young team. They’re excited about the opportunity. I’m excited for them.”
Massey makes her debut as a true freshman at the meet. She has been practicing with the Mustangs throughout the season, so the last two weeks haven’t been a big change for her. What is different, however, is the length of the season. The middle school cross country season is over, and Massey is adjusting to the schedule and her other commitments, Gonzalez said.
“She’s used to doing so much,” the coach said. “I think she’s really excited. They’ve been helping her build her confidence. She has the opportunity to move on.”
The top four teams and top 10 individuals not on advancing teams will qualify for the Class 4A state meet.
“I’m excited for the kids for what they earn,” Gonzalez said. “They have worked hard since the summer. All that work is paying off. These kids are running well at the right time. I think good things can happen to them.”
