Kingwood girls NXN South Photo By: Travis Miller
The Kingwood girls team placed 2nd in the Championship race at NXN South two weekends ago. That second place finish solidified them for an auto qualifying spot at NXN this weekend. We asked Kingwood head coach Christine Burleson a few questions about her squad, their goals for NXN and more!
Texas MileSplit: What were some of your hopes and expectations heading into this season?
Coach Burleson: Heading into the season, I was excited because I knew the team was going to be a good all around team to work with. I was hoping to place well in the State Meet and earn an opportunity to compete at NXN.
Texas MileSplit: What was training like between State and NXN South?
Coach Burleson: We were disappointed with the performance at State, so the training for NXN was focused and determined. The girls definitely felt like they had something to prove.
Texas MileSplit: Can you describe your feelings and emotions when you realized your team had qualified during the awards?
Coach Burleson: I was already proud of how they competed in the race. Going into the meet, the most important thing to me was that they have their best race. Hearing that they qualified just made it that much better!
Kingwood Girls Reaction To Qualifying:
Texas MileSplit: After placing placing 4th at State did you think your team would be able to qualify for NXN?
Coach Burleson: I thought that if they competed the way they are capable of competing, they would have a chance. Placing 4th at State was disappointing, but it didn't change what I knew they could do.
Texas MileSplit: What did it mean for you and this years team to make it back to NXN for the first time since 2011?
Texas MileSplit: What does it mean for the team to be qualifying for the sixth time ever?
Coach Burleson: These girls are very invested in the legacy of the program, so I know it meant a lot to them to take the team back to NXN. We are excited to be going for a 6th time!
Texas MileSplit: What were the biggest challenges for this year's team?
Coach Burleson: The biggest challenge was overcoming the disappointment after the State Meet. That challenge ended up being the fuel that fired them up for NXN Regionals. It was great to watch.
Texas MileSplit: How would you best describe the group of kids that you coach?
Coach Burleson: They are an extremely hard working, nice group of girls. They have always done everything I ask them to do. They have truly earned their success.
Texas MileSplit: Who were the leaders on your team and what was the importance to the squad?
Coach Burleson: This was a very senior heavy team. In many ways, each senior led in her own way. That was one of the unique things about this team. They were ALL exceptional leaders. As individuals, they stepped up when needed and followed when necessary. They were an excellent TEAM.
Texas MileSplit: What are your expectations for NXN?
Coach Burleson: I expect that they will go up there and compete well.
Texas MileSplit: What are some of the values you try to instill in your athletes?
Coach Burleson: We try to instill the value of hard work not only for yourself, but more importantly, for your teammates. I want them to see that being apart of a team means that it is not all about you as an individual.
Texas MileSplit: Why did you get in to coaching and what has been one of your favorite things about it?
Coach Burleson: I got into coaching because of the valuable lessons that I learned about life and myself through this sport and the coaches I had. I wanted to be apart of that kind of learning in lives of others. My favorite thing about coaching is watching girls work consistently toward a goal (over 4 years). I love getting to see them experience the effects of that type of diligence. Many times the effect is faster times (which is nice and very fun), but my absolute favorite part is getting to watch them grow as people through the successes and disappointments that result from striving toward a goal with their whole heart.
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Kingwood Post NXN South Interview:
Results
| Team Scores | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Place | Team | Points | Scorers | Times | ||
| 1 | Southlake Carroll | 78 | 9+13+16+18+22 (56+99) | 0:24 1-5 Split | 20:55 Avg | ||
| 2 | Kingwood High School | 86 | 1+10+11+27+37 (47+97) | 1:49 1-5 Split | 20:50 Avg | ||
| 3 | Marcus | 91 | 6+7+23+26+29 (58+104) | 0:49 1-5 Split | 20:56 Avg | ||
| 4 | Keller | 98 | 3+4+15+30+46 (67+85) | 1:36 1-5 Split | 20:58 Avg | ||