McNeil High School hosted and competed in the 27th annual McNeil Cross Country Invitational Sept. 24-25 at Old Settlers Park. More than 100 schools competed, with teams coming to Round Rock from cities all over Texas, from Dallas to Laredo. The McNeil cross country team battled through rough conditions.

“All the dust was getting kicked up since there were so many people running in that small area (starting line),” freshman Zachary Adams said.

Adams said the course was also more difficult than previous races at Old Settlers Park.

“The hardest part of the course was the hills,” Adams said. “You would run up and come immediately back down.”

The McNeil varsity boys team finished in 23 place and the varsity girls team finished 35. The McNeil junior varsity boys team finished 16.

The McNeil cross country team will return to Old Settlers Park on Oct. 14 for the districtwide meet.