Nov 10, 2015

The state meet was one for the ages with the course conditions, and and crazy weather! We reached out to a few athletes to get their first hand accounts of the action! Read below what they thought about racing in the mud! You can find all our coverage, results and more here!

Justin Botello

State 2015 had to be one of the toughest and dirtiest races that I have ever ran. Throughout the whole 5 kilometers of the race was a crucial and dirty battle with a foot sinking experience. The splashing of the puddles and moving of the streams definitely gave a true cross country experience to the race. It was a hard fought and unforgettable experience to the finish line. (@JustinBotello1)

WATCH: 6A Boys Race here!
More awesome Pictures here!

Photos By: Travis Miller

Abbey Santoro

Going into the state meet we knew the conditions were not favorable, but I don't think any of us expected the course to be as muddy as it was. During the race there was not one point where I actually felt like I could feel the ground and it seemed like everyone was doing more sliding than actual running because it was difficult to even stay on your feet. This was definitely the hardest race I've ever ran and it was a true cross country course. This was the first time any of us on my team had ever ran at state, but despite the mud we knew what we had to do in order to go out and get that spot on the podium we had been working so hard all season long for. We ended up placing 3rd and I couldn't be happier, we accomplished exactly what we set out to do. Placing where we did really validated all of the hard work we put in to get to this point, but it has also begun to motivate us to come back next year even stronger. Next season starts now. My individual goal was to place in the top 10, I wasn't focused on time or PR'ing at all because I already knew everyone's times were going to be way slower than normal due to all the mud. From the start of the race I tried to focus on establishing myself in the main pack and gradually work my way up. I took advantage of all the hills and used to them as an opportunity to pass as many people as I could. I finished 3rd and I was

completely over joyed that was higher than I had ever expected to place. Getting to race with such a talented group of girls was such a blessing and this was a race I will never forget. One of my favorite parts of this sport is how amazing all of the people you race with are. This sportsmanship is only found in cross country. (@abbeyruns)

WATCH: 6A Girls Race here!
Awesome Pictures here!

Ace Castillo

Photo By: Travis Miller

The 2015 State Cross-Country Meet can be described in one word: entertaining. Everybody had to run in the same muddy, wet, and cold conditions and in the end it was a battle for who could handle the conditions the best. Setting the conditions aside, watching/racing the best runners in the state of Texas was pure joy, and I'm glad I had the opportunity to compete in such an elite race. From a spectator standpoint, It was a thrill to see runners slipping and sliding, fighting for all that they're worth. This was definitely a memorable experience that will set the foundation for hopefully many more State appearances. (@AceCastillo1234)

WATCH: 5A Boys Race here!
More awesome Pictures here!
Post Race Interview with Ace

Madie Boreman

Madie Boreman Photo By: Travis Miller

State this year, and for my last year in high school, was definitely an experience. From the start to the finish everyone wasn't running, but trudging through ankle deep mud. The race wasn't necessarily who was the fastest, but like my friend said, "who slows down the least". Sadly this reckless course was the ending to my high school UIL cross country season, but I'm very pleased I got to experience it with my team. (@runnermadie)
WATCH: 6A Girls Race here!
More Awesome Pictures here!

Jonathon Bishop

Jonathon Bishop finishing 4th in class 5A Photo By: Travis Miller

I remember seeing the course the day before the meet and thinking the mud wasn't that bad, but the rain and races mixed it all up and made the mud a lot worse. I remember multiple times when my feet slipped underneath me. Other parts of the race weren't a problem. The mini rivers we ran through were crazy. There was a pretty sharp turn near the end of the race that was muddy and at a decline. I knew that many people would fall on that part. The mud made it challenging but at the same time really fun. Running in those conditions will be unforgettable!(@the_realJB97)

WATCH: 5A Boys Race here!
More awesome Pictures here!

Karyss Betzen

Karyss Betzen Photo By: Travis Miller

The state meet was one of the most entertaining and challenging meets I have ever ran in. At the beginning of the race, it was crazy with the first 100 being slippery and all the girls trying to fit around the first curve. And then there were a couple of ditches that had little streams and running through those felt like running through quick sand. The most difficult part was trying to turn corners without falling and on a couple turns near the end of the course I nearly lost my footing. The race was a race of who has the most guts to push through the unfavorable conditions. Having my team there with me and being able to run with them made the experience even better. It was most definitely a race I will never forget! (@karyss_ann30)

WATCH: 5A Girls Race here!
Awesome Pictures here!

Cutter Oglesby

Cutter Oglesby Photo By: Travis Miller

The race was probably the craziest race I've ever ran. Never have I had to worry more about my foot placement than my actual breathing and pace. Each turn was a struggle just to stay up and hope that you kept your balance well enough that you didn't lose your footing or your place. The State meet comes with an intensity that goes without saying, but racing in the conditions we did with slight rain and mud flying up at every angle, it felt like something out of a movie. Couldn't ask for a better experience for my last race and first state title. (@CutterJO27)