On Monday, the TAPPS state cross country meet went down in Waco, Texas. Many individuals and teams went attempting to win a state title.
The ladies from Austin St. Michaels were included in that group and they accomplished their goal. However, they did more than just win the 2017 TAPPS 5A girls state title. This win completed a three-peat for St. Michaels as they previously won both the 2015 (4A) and the 2016 state titles.
The win wasn't without a challenge though. San Antonio Christian put up a tough fight and ran St. Michaels to the line the whole way. The final score ended up in favor of St. Michaels 89 - 97 and catapulted them to their third straight title.
The girls are used to success as the top four finishers for St. Michaels were juniors. These young ladies have won a state title each year of their high school careers. Mary Hodapp finished in fifth place with her 12:47.0 to lead the way. Kinga Parrish joined Hodapp in the top ten as she finished in eighth place with a final time of 13:05.9. Lyla Senn, Roberta Gonzalez, and Tara Senn, wrapped up the scoring and ensured the another plaque for St. Michaels.
"Champion is a LIFESTYLE, not just a title"
Augie Alcala III, Austin St. Michaels head coach
SA Christian didn't just lay down for the champs as their first runner came in fourth place, just one spot ahead of Hodapp, but Parrish and Lyla Senn came in ahead of SA Christian's number three runner. Things then began to look a little shaky as SA Christian placed their two, three, four, and five runners almost in a row and in front of the St Michaels four and five. St. Michaels head coach, Augie Alcala III said, "The girls sealed the 3-peat with a gutsy performance that included alternates and some downright gutsy racing." That they did as Gonzalez and Tara Senn could be seen coming around the corner and over the hill to seal the deal. "Our top 4 finishers were all juniors and they plan to continue building their legacy."
The girls aren't just champions in cross country, they are also champions in the classroom and at just about everything else.
"These girls deserve it. I have never coached a group of kids more motivated, intelligent and hungry for success, and that's in ALL areas of their life! The night before the state meet I went downstairs to the hotel lobby to get a snack and I find the girls team sitting quietly, spread out across the dining area , doing homework and studying."
"I was unbelievably proud and knew that they were truly a special group of girls who simply get it, and will change the world someday."
Augie Alcala III, Austin St. Michaels head coach
My philosophy from day one has been "Champion is a LIFESTYLE, not just a title", and in that moment when I caught them all studying at 11 p.m., the night before the state meet, I was unbelievably proud and knew that they were truly a special group of girls who simply get it, and will change the world someday.
Changing the world will have to wait a little while longer, as they still have some more changing the TAPPS record books to do first.