As the district cross country meet neared, the runners practiced as often as possible in hopes of a top-10 finish and a trip to regionals. For junior Emmanuel Renteria and sophomore Genevieve Arabie, the hard work paid off. Freshman Priscilla Portilla medaled as well as part of the JV team.

“It was fun to compete against some of the best runners in our division,” Renteria said. “I managed to place and it was a great feeling. I want to go out and compete at regionals too.”

Coach Chuck Winkelman, was impressed with another outstanding meet from Renteria. This is his second time making it to regionals.

“Emmanuel is a hard worker and it has helped in his success in this sport,” Winkelman said. “Hard work has allowed Emmanuel to place for regionals the last two years.”

For Arabie, a serious burn on her foot added an additional level of challenge to the event, although she said that she barely noticed it during the race because she was focused on pushing through.

“I am so happy about qualifying this year after being so close last year,” Arabie said. I really wanted to push myself to prove that I could do it.”

Ellwood Hullum, a sophomore on the Cross Country team also competed at the district meet. He did not place but was happy to have competed in district and hopes for more next year.

“I had a lot of fun at the meet and getting to watch Emmanuel place again was great,” Hullum said. “Although I didn’t place I still had a lot of fun and I hope for more next year.”