Emily Smith will shoot for her fourth TAPPS 4A state title
The Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) has its state championships this Monday in Waco, Texas.
The day's forecast currently has good temperatures slated for Monday, but possibly some rain as well, which could create a sloppy course.
However, here are some things you need to keep an eye on for the TAPPS state meet.
Can Micaela Villarreal Repeat?
Last year, Micaela Villarreal won the TAPPS 6A individual state title, which helped propel the San Antonio Antonian girls squad to another state title.
However, this year, after a fast preseason 11:20 run in the 3200m, she was put on the shelf with a nagging injury. Her first race of the year wasn't until September 30th at the Chile Pepper Festival in Arkansas. She ran a 18:17 5K, which makes you think her fitness was in a good place.
Now a month later, the question is with a chance to repeat as the 6A state champion presenting itself, can she put together the race to go back-to-back and help her team win again?
Renne Cooper and Harper Counts Win 4A State Titles For Austin Brentwood Academy?
Last year, two Austin Brentwood Academy runners both went for second place finishes at the TAPPS 4A state cross country meet.
Renne Cooper was runner-up in the boys race with his 16:49 to Sugarland Logos Prep senior Luke Mason. With the graduation of Mason, that leaves Cooper as the top returner, but nothing is a given.
That is where Cooper's outstanding 2023 running comes into play. The senior has been on fire and has dropped some very fast races including sub fifteen-minute races. The win is in his hands - - or should I say on his legs to take.
He credits getting lapped at the TAPPS state track meet a couple of years ago as bing the turning point to him getting serious about running as well as a recommendation from none other than teammate Harper Counts. A state championship would be quite the full circle turn around.
Harper Counts was just a freshman, but she came in last year making waves from day one. The season ended with her also placing second at the state meet. The state title has to be on her mind even though she is just a sophomore.
She has demonstrated the ability to rise to the occasion in big races, but she'll be racing a senior with just as much motivation. Her task will be to take down a runner who will eyeing her fourth TAPPS 4A stat title Emily Smith. The best way to become a champion is to do it by beating the reigning champion.
Who Wins The 5A Boys Team Title, San Antonio Christian And San Antonio TMI?
Last year, it was San Antonio Christian running to the 5A boys state title over San Antonio TMI by a mere six points, 40<46. The rematch is on deck.
San Antonio Christian (SAC) is still a very good team, but they graduated three runners from last year's title winning lineup, while TMI only graduated one.
The loss is still on the minds of the TMI boys who sees SAC as a rival. We'll see if they have what it takes to get back atop of the awards podium.
Can Undefeated Freshman Tyler Grace Emma Goetz Win A State Title?
The East Texas sensation has been on a ball from day one of the 2023 cross country season. The freshman is undefeated and only has one race over 12-minutes along with 18:21 5K.
The only mark on Grace's resume that isn't sunshine and roses is the fact that she hasn't left the coziness of her East Texas stomping grounds. This will be her first race of the year west of Interstate 45.
Will the lack of Piney Wood infused air affect her running? Can anybody out west do what the girls out east haven't been able to do yet?
Can Anybody Stop San Antonio Central Catholic?
The Buttons are the reigning back-to-back TAPPS 6A state champions and in their own words, they were on the grind this season to get to this point where they're going to compete for a third consecutive title. The result of the San Antonio Central Catholic boy's work boils down to Monday's results.
Despite graduating some integral parts of those championship teams, the foundation is still solid and with some new comers all eyes are on accomplishing one thing .... earning another ring!
Senior Andrew Rivas was last year's individual runner-up behind teammate Nathan Morales who graduated. The top returner will lead his team and we'll see if anyone can separate their grip on TAPPS 6A.
Can Emily Smith Win Her Fourth TAPPS XC State Title?
The Colleyville Covenant Christian senior Emily Smith has enjoyed a stellar individual career. She burst onto the scene having a breakout freshman year and hasn't looked back.
Smith has so many state titles, it's hard to count them all. One thing is for sure, she has three in cross country and will try to make it a four-peat and a perfect sweep for her career in Waco.
Her season has been one to remember, so far. She has a couple of PRs, a couple of big race wins, and has already committed to the University of Tulsa. Just last week, Smith ran 11:07 to win the NTX Small School/ Club Championship.
It looks likely, and if it happens, all you can do is tip your cap to Emily Smith's career.