Wall Girls Qualify for State Cross Country Meet

LUBBOCK, TX — The Wall Lady Hawks are headed to the UIL Cross Country State Championships after running to a second-place finish Monday at the Region I-3A meet at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock.

Wall finished behind only defending state champion Holliday to earn a trip to the state meet on Oct. 31 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

Wall was led by Mckenzie Lopez, who finished in fourth place out of 176 runners. She completed the two-mile course in 12 minutes, 17 seconds.

Holliday’s Kenli Atwood, who was the runner-up at state last year, won the regional title in 11:36.

Wall had a complete performance Monday as all seven of its runners finished in the top 50. Emma Reel was 16th, followed by Allison Baird in 17th, Amelia Taylor in 24th, Dailyn Beam in 32nd, Heaven Jackson in 37th and Kylee Holik in 41st.

After Holliday (54 points) and Wall (72), the other state-qualifying spots went to Jim Ned (160) and Dalhart (175). 

The top four teams and top 10 individuals not on qualifying teams advanced to state.

On the boys’ side, San Angelo TLCA was 13th and Wall was 15th.

TLCA was the area’s top finisher with a 29th-place showing. He finished the 5,000-meter course in 17:46.

Mason Plummer was Wall’s top finisher in 56th.

Holliday won the team title, followed by Crane, Presidio and Jim Ned.

The 2A, 4A and 6A divisions will compete at the regional meet in Lubbock on Tuesday.