Runners face tough competition at FEAST XC meet
San Antonio -- Hondo cross country took a big step up in competition on Saturday, Sept. 5, participating in the FEAST Patriot High School Invitational.
The Owls even competed in Division A to go up against the top competition in the area.
Hondo’s lead runner, senior Angel Rodriguez, was the highest finisher representing a public school, when he placed 16th in the division, with a time of 16:41.30 on the 5K course at the River City Community Church athletic fields.
Also from Hondo, freshman Anthony Sandoval placed 52nd overall, in 18:06. Seniors Aaron Ledesma and Christian Gaucin, who both had big nights for the Hondo football team just 12 hours earlier, placed 66th and 68th, in 18:39 and 18:40. Sophomore Zachary Rodriguez was 80th in 19:28. Will Winchester, Daylon Fohn, Ethan Hernandez and Everett Adams rounded out the Hondo field in the 130-runner event. Hondo placed ninth in the team standings.
In the Division A girls’ two-mile event, Hondo’s top finisher was Alexandra Sandoval, a senior who placed 33rd in a time of 14:04.40. Camryn Cary and Aubree Ferrin crossed the line in 56th and 57th places, with times of 15:16 and 15:17. Megan Buerger was 63rd in a time of 15:35, with four Owls, Rozlin Haynie, Regan Ytuarte, Karlie Aguilar and Madison Parra, taking spots 68-71.
Emilee Vaughn, Dennise Moore, Maddison Britsch and Caylin Alonzo also competed for the Owls.
This Saturday, Sept. 12, the Hondo runners will go to the Medina Valley meet. The varsity boys’ 5K will begin at 8 a.m. In the JV divisions, the girls’ two-mile begins at 9:30, followed by the boys’ two-mile at 10 a.m. Hondo will be running two teams in the JV girls’ division.
PHOTO / JEFF BERGER
Jodeci Bermea brings it to the plate during the MV Tournament.