Vandegrift boys cross country runners start the race at the Region IV 6A Championships in Corpus Christi on Oct. 23.

By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News

The Vandegrift girls cross country team will advance to the state meet on Saturday, Nov. 4. Anthony Monte will be representing the boys team as an individual as he placed 17th.

Both girls and boys teams traveled to Corpus Christi to compete in the Region IV 6A Cross Country Championships on Oct. 23.

“The girls race looked tight from the first mile as Palmview, Smithson Valley, Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Vandy all looked to have runners in the front pack,” said Colin Sully, head coach VHS cross country.

Jordan Mathis ran with eventual winner Beth Ramos for most of the race and held on to second place overall.  

“When it was all over VXC had placed 4th for the last team spot over Smithson Valley by only one point,” Sully said.

Monte, a sophomore, stayed in front group for most of the race, taking the last individual state spot in the process.

“It was a very emotional day as we really wanted to defend our girls regional title and advance both teams to state but it didn’t come together,” Sully said.

Monte is the first Vandegrift cross country boy to advance to 6A State in school history.

“We are very pleased to be returning to state again this year, even better that we will have some representation from the boys team as well,” Sully said. “We have a very young team and they have worked very hard this season. It’s going to be very exciting to watch them race against the state’s best.”  

The Vandegrift girls cross country team heads to state: (L-R) Kylie Bryan, Erin Donohue, Natalie Root,
Jordan Mathis, Brianna Garza, Emma Saia, Gemma Goddard.

Anthony Monte goes to state on Saturday.