Keith MacPherson, Sports Editor
Gainesville Daily Register
DECATUR — Gainesville cross country coach Jeff Gerkin knew it was going to be close.
With Decatur and Sanger the clear class of District 9-3A, the Leopards were looking to edge Krum for a berth at regionals.
The Gainesville boys were able to do so while the girls fell a point short at the district meet at Joe Wheeler Park on Wednesday.
“This is our third year in a row to get the entire team out,” Gerkin said. “That was our goal at the start of the season. I was real proud of how we competed today.”
The Leopards took third with an 85 point total while the girls had a team score of 99. Krum’s girls scored a 98.
“(The girls’ fourth place finish) is a pain that will be felt a while,” Gerkin said. “They ran as hard as they could race. They are still hurting – this will sting a while. I wouldn’t trade anyone of those girls for anybody else though. I’m so proud of them.”
Cale Kennedy led the Leopards with a ninth place finish in a time of 17 minutes 47.70 seconds in the 5-kilometer race.
“For him to get ninth in a district with Sanger and Decatur – that’s saying something,” Gerkin said.
Ismael Castaneda was 17th, Terry Hall was 18th, Michael Sanchez was 20th, Jose Ortiz was 21st, Jacob Goldsworthy was 25th and Chris Govea was 26th to round out the Gainesville boys.
Decatur won the boys race with a team score of 20. Taylor Clayton took first with a time of 16:01.60.
Sanger won the girls race with a team score of 31 – Decatur scored a 32. Sanger’s Bryce Perry ran away with the win, clocking a 12 minutes, 10.40 second two-mile time.
Raquel Elias led the Lady Leopards with an 11th place finish at 13:00.30. Kassandra Najera was 14th, Chandler Kemp was 22nd, Janeth Perez was 23rd, Jordan Garcia was 29th, Itzel Mota was 32nd and Amanda Eddowes was 35th.
The Region II-3A cross country meet will be Nov. 3 in Arlington.
