The Prosper girls on the rise? Didn't they qualify for the Team Nationals in 2018 and 2019, you might ask. The answer is yes, but still this year's squad is ascending. . . and they're not doing it alone.
Both the girls and the boys Eagle teams are enjoying an outstanding 2021 cross country season as they are both ranked in the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas (CCCAT) team poll; the girls are No. 3 and the boys are No. 9 in the UIL 6A division.
The DFW area teams travelled down to Corpus Christi, TX to compete at the TAMUCC Islander Splash this weekend. The Lady Eagles captured the meet win by scoring 54 points for a margin of 50 ahead of the runner-up team. Powered by a 1-2 finish from Shewaye Johnson and Aubrey O'Connell, a win looked eminent and with the rest of their five scorers chiming in with Sadie Gonzales in eighth, Emily Kern in 13th, and Diane Shaw finishing 30th the win was sealed.
Getting a state ranking is huge for the boys team as they might be a year ahead of their scheduled break through. With only one senior in their five scoring runners this weekend, they came away with a second place team finish in Corpus Christi. Led by juniors Jack Johnston and Dawson Svoboda who both finished in the top-10 individually, the Eagles are a tough team to beat this season.
"We're definitely trying to get out of district, go to state, and even go for first at state."
Tyler Epps, Prosper junior
Throughout this season, the prosper boys have top five finishes in every meet his year to showcase their talent, and the state is taking notice. They have run sub 16:10 team averages this season and they continue to work things out. Expect them to have things worked out at the end of the year and have fun watching them continue to climb.
By their own admission, their goal is to get to Round Rock, "we're definitely trying to get out of district, go to state, and even go for first at state," junior Tyler Epps said. To achieve that, the Prosper boys will continue to push and compete with each other, but the key to getting better was best stated by Johnston, "be uncomfortable everyday."