Two varsity cross country runners, seniors Maddie Marrone and Abbey Hobbs, placed at Regionals to move on to the State meet.

“We worked very hard together in our practices to prepare for the most competitive race of the season,” Marrone said.

Districts was held at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock on Oct. 12. Regionals was held at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie on Oct. 23. The team ran a standard 5K course.

“The moment you cross the finish line you get a rush of relief and excitement,” Marrone said.

Marrone placed 14th in Regionals, while Hobbs placed 23rd. This qualified them for State. 

“It was one of the happiest moments of my running career when I advanced to State,” Hobbs said. “I’ve been working for it for 4 years, and I finally got it my senior year.”

Hobbs’s time at Regionals was 19:40.

“You have an automatic respect for your companions and teammates because we all know the dedication that it takes,” Marrone said.

State was Nov. 4 at Old Settlers Park.

“I am so proud of our team this year,” Marrone said. “Abbey and I get to represent our team with pride.”