Sulphur cross country runner Morgan Brown ran a personal best of16:42 to lead the Bulldogs to a fourth place overall finish in the fiercely competitive pre-state cross country meet at North Rock Creek High School last Saturday.
The Dogs were among 19 teams entered in the event, and there were 226 runners competing.
Following Brown for the Dogs was Noah Heitland. He also ran a personal best with a time of 18:20.
Bulldog coach Emile Heitland said the pre-sate meet is one of the most competitive of the season.
“Pre-State is always a key meet we have circled on our calendar,” he said. “It’s more than just an early look at the state course, it’s an opportunity to test ourselves against the top teams in Class 4A and see exactly where we stand. The level of competition, combined with the chance to get familiar with the state course makes this meet one of the most important stepping stones in our season.”
Heitland praised Brown’s fifth place effort in a field of 226 competitors.
“Morgan has always been a naturally talented runner, but this season he’s taken it to another level,” said Heitland. “His focus and consistency in practice have translated into confident, high-level racing.”
Noah Heitland also ran well, according to the coach. “He’s consistently been our No. 4 runner throughout the season, but in a championship environment, he stepped up big time and finished as our No. 2 runner which was a huge boost for the team.”
Another Bulldog also ran one of his best races at the meet. Landy DeArman, who missed his junior year, stepped up in a big way, according to the coach, and ran well. “It’s taken time, but his performance at pre-state showed just how far he’s come. He stepped up in a big way at pre-state.”
Following Brown and Heitland, other Sulphur runners included Keaton Seitz, Zak Kirk, DeArman, Korbin Mayo and Andrew Hail.
Girls 4th In Pre-State Meet Jayden Lee won second place medalist and again led the Sulphur girls as the team won 4th in the pre-state meet in Class 4-A at North Rock Creek on Saturday.
Also finishing strong was Hannah Hail, who was an eighth place medalist.
Head coach Kari Seitz said the meet was challenging for the girls.
“This was a challenging meet with many of the top teams and runners in the state, and on a course that was new to us,” she said. “Our girls showed real strength, and while we know there’s even more potential to tap into, that’s exciting—because we’ll be back on this course for the state meet. Now we have the experience and extra motivation to be even stronger next time.”
Sulphur’s Noah Heitland, left, ran a strong race at the North Rock Creek pre-state cross country meet last Saturday, earning a personal record of 18:20. PHOTO BY DON COFFEY
Following Lee and Hail, five Lady Bulldogs placed in the top 70. They inclued Rory McMillan 27th, Paxtyn Hiser 29th, Landry Eason 45th, Mady Hatfield 55th and Daniela Rojo Rios 70th.
Seitz praised several on her team for their effort.
“ Jayden Lee turned in a strong performance, finishing close behind one of the top state placers, demonstrating again that she is ready to compete with the best runners in the state as the season progresses,” said Seitz.
She also praised Hannah Hail, Landry Eason and Kerignton Sloan for their performances..
“Hannah’s dedication over the summer really showed, as she earned a huge PR and now holds the 2nd fastest time on our school record board,” said Seitz. “It’s exciting to see her hard work paying off in such a big way.”
Seitz said last weekend’s meet was important for her team in many ways.
“This race was an important opportunity to experience a new course and face strong opponents we don’t normally see,” the coach said. “It proved to our girls that they can compete with the toughest teams, especially as they continue the hard work and progress they’ve been showing in practice. Their determination to succeed as a team is clear, and this meet gave them even more motivation to keep pushing forward.”
