Four was definitely the magic number at the 2017 4A boys and girls state meet.
The Bandera girls took on a good challenge from River Oaks Castleberry, but it wasn't quite enough as Bandera just wasn't to be denied. They ran a 12:15 team average with a 41 second split to take their fourth title. Led by senior Alia Henderson's ninth place overall finish, the girls got a quick pep talk from legendary Bandera coach Goleman. "The important thing he said before the race was sacrifice. We sacrifice our time, our mornings, our sleep, that's what it takes and that's what we give and that's how we come out on top." In the end, Henderson joked that they look sleep deprived, but they look like four time state champs and that looks pretty good to me.
In the individual race, Alvarado sophomore Emily Garcia led eleven girls under twelve minutes with her 11:28.65. Garcia takes her second straight 4A state individual title, but she also led her Alvarado squad to a third place team finish and trophy.
"The important thing Coach Goleman before the race was sacrifice. That's what it takes and that's what we give, and that's how we come out on top."Bandera senior - Alia Henderson
