Region 3 Preview

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This region has dominated the state meet since the new classification numbers came out in 2014, winning every team state championship. Miller Grove has enjoyed success with six titles, Priddy won a title, and Saltillo also won a title.

The Miller Grove boys first year coach Dalton Herndon said "We are excited to continue the tradition that has been established in the cross country program;" the Hornets have won five straight state titles. They return three of their top seven runners from last year's state championship team and four of their top eight runners that should put them in a solid position for the podium again.

They'll be led by Kavan Smith, Anthony Lester, Ethan George and Ryker Haivala who finished third in the 3200 track and field championships. They will be looking to younger runners to help them be competitive again this season, especially in freshmen Eli Griffin.

The Saltillo Lions return all 7 runners off last year's state runner up team and are looking like the favorites to win this region. Coach Bill Giles and the Lions are looking for a repeat of 2016 when the won both the regional and state titles in dominant fashion; they'll be led by seniors Coy Collins and Gunner Tarver. The rest of the team will consist of fellow senior Luke Ritter and Jacob Sexton, juniors Cristian Trejo and Colton McGill, along with sophomore Rowdy Speir. Saltillo is the last team to knock off Miller Grove and this year will be another tight battle between those two schools again.

Slidell finished fifth last year and will also return their entire team. This group has the opportunity to give Region 3 a podium sweep at the state meet. Juniors Manny Peralta and Ben Beard will lead the squead and they'll be joined by five superb sophomores Josh Garvin, Fabian Gonzales, Christian Torres, Dax Davis and Keller Pruett. The Greyhounds should have no problems making it back to Round Rock and press for the podium.

Blum is another returning state meet qualifying team from Region 3. They were 10th overall in Round Rock last year and bringing back five of seven of their state meet runners bodes well for them.

Seniors Keith Walker and Trent McBrayer have been with the squad dating back to middle school and they should provide the leadership and guidance needed in 2022. Ethan Peacock also has experience that'll be helpful this year. He has been to Round Rock in his first two years with the team and should be a low stick scorer along with Walker. Aiden Scott and Tyler Perkins will also help lead Blum back to state.