By DON WALLACE
News-Telegram Sports Editor
sportsed@ssecho.comROUND ROCK — To be a state champion is a great accomplishment, no matter where you live.
But to win the big trophy and be able to boast as the best in Texas – is something to crow about for a long while.
Hopkins County teams Miller Grove and Saltillo finished first and second in the recent state cross country tournament held Saturday at Round Rock.
After making the state finals a year ago, but coming up short, the Hornets were determined to get the title.
“Seeing people on the podium getting awards last year and it wasn’t us, motivated the team,” said senior Logan Miller.
Miller broke into a wide smile, “This time, we were on the podium getting our medals and the team award was an awesome feeling. Knowing we not only won it for ourselves, but the community and the school. Now all the little kids will know what they accomplish.”
Senior William Clinton said it was rewarding to finish with the state crown after being ranked at the top most of the year.
“We felt good for accomplishing it as a team and doing it for coach B (Gary Billingsley),” Clinton said.
The team celebrated the 1A state win by gently tossing Billingsley into a nearby pond at Old Settler’s Park.
The coach admitted the pond was “a little cold” but worth it.
Miller Grove was first with 63 points with time top five times of 1:32:19.52.
Brennan Green, junior, has the best time at 17:59, ninth; Miller was 13th, 18:20; Aaron Smith, senior, 18th, 18:25; 28th, junior, Riley Mitchell, 18:45; Clinton, 33rd,18:49; junior, Trey Lester, 35th, 18:50 and junior Derek McCreight was 135th, 22:03.
The Miller Grove girls was 13th as a team. Times and place for the MG girls include: 12. Aleigh Bessonett, 13:05; 99. Elizabeth Jimenez, 14:57; 115. Ashley Purser, 15:27; 124. Candace Earp, 15:37; 135. Alex Zeigler, 15:59; 137. Kayleigh Lester, 16:34; 141. Kayla Ford, 16:55.
Saltillo boys were second, with a team total of 97 points for coach Bill Giles.
Times, places for the Lions include: 7. Dakota Carroll, 17:54.46 for a top 10 finish. Others include: 27. Carlos Marquez; 34. Lyle Bench; 38. Hunter Wilson; 47. Lane Bench; 70. James Stretcher and 72. Jordan Lane.
Coach Giles and MG head coach Gary Billingsley are longtime friends.
“I’m extremely proud of these young men from Saltillo,” Giles said. “ They competed really well at the state meet. Our goal was to get on the ‘podium’ and we did. State Runner-up—is the highest finish of any Saltillo boys team in history. I just can’t say enough about how hard they worked and how many hours they put in to reach their goal.”
Giles said, “State champions-Miller Grove, coached by Gary Billingsley had a super day! If a team coached by me gets second to a Billingsley coached team, I’m not going to complain. He is a former runner, former player, and former assistant coach for me. Couldn’t be more pleased for what he has accomplished at Miller Grove.”
Billingsley said, “I am very proud of these young men. We came up short last year and they set their minds to winning it this year. This is truly a team as they did not care who finished where but ran hard for each other. All of their hard work paid off. The conditions got worse as the day went on. By the time 1A raced, the wind picked up to around 15 mph.”
Billingsley added, “I would also like to congratulate the Saltillo boys on a good race and a great year. Our region went won the top three places at the state meet.”
Sulphur Bluff also competed with three runners in action. Jacob Watts was 41st, 18:58.72; 44th place went to Albert Serrano, 18:59.62 and Brennon Seymore was 54th, 19:18.75.
Bears coach Blake Hill said, “We are very proud to be able to send three to state. Congratulations to coaches Billingsley and Giles. Hopkins County was well-represented.”
