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The Lorena girls had a great 2021 cross country season. They ended the year with a Region 2-3A title as well as the runner-up trophy at the UIL 3A state meet. This year, they want to turn that optimism and experience into momentum and aim for the state title and expect to land on the podium again.
We caught up with the Lady Leopards at the Temple Invitational and they talked about their drive and goals. What else would you expect the second place team to have as their goal? Lorena is no different as they desire to make their ambitions come to fruition.
Expectations for this team don't only come from the Central Texas town, but it's also in the minds of Texas coaches. The Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas (CCCAT) released their preseason poll last week and they have Lorena ranked No. 2 heading into this year.
Senior Abigail Martinez told us, "We've been working really hard ever since last year and the last day of school and we are aiming for first place and to do way better." That's the exact sentiment shared by the entire team. The return five of the seven girls from 2021 including regional champion and the fourth place finisher at state Addison Sykora and their number two runner Avery Heard to for a tough 1-2 punch.
It's a long road between now and October and November when everything starts to cound and when the true measuring stick comes out, but what could carry this Lorena squad through that trial period is their bond. "We care about the running, but we also bond as a team, we know we all want to get to the top, we know as a team we can do it, no matters," Martinez shared.
As for the expectations that come along with the ranking, "It's exciting, a little daunting, but we want to live up to it," sophomore Madilyn Landry said. Don't for one second think this Lorena squad doesn't know their potential and the opportunity they have to accomplish something big. They'll do their best and enjoy the process, "we want to show them that we're not just any team, but we're the best team in the state," Martinez said.