GCISD runners had an incredible showing across the board at the UIL State Cross Country Championships, earning multiple titles and podium finishes at Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock over Thanksgiving Break.
The Grapevine High School boys won the Class 5A state title for the first time in program history, led by Walker St. John who won the individual championship with a time of 14:24.20. The Mustangs posted a team score of 61 points, well ahead of the second-place score of 104.
The GHS girls came across the line in second place, their second consecutive runner-up finish. The Mustangs’ team score of 89 points was just ahead of Colleyville Heritage High School who placed third with a team score of 91 points. The Panthers, in just their third state meet as a team, took home their first podium finish.
The GHS girls were led by Lila Nicodemus who finished 16th with a time of 18:23.80. Allie Love was top finisher for CHHS, crossing the line in seventh place with a time of 17:52.25. Felisa Saheib also finished in the top 15 as she was 13th with a time of 18:16.09.
In addition to St. John’s top finish for the GHS boys, Trey Leathers and Josue Granados posted top-15 finishes, crossing in 11th and 13th places, respectively, with times of 15:17.85 and 15:21.15, respectively.