Miller Grove, Saltillo Cross Country Athletes Recognized As Top 1A Teams

The Hopkins County Commissioners Court Monday morning recognized the Miller Grove and Saltillo Cross Country athletes for being the Top 1A Teams in the state. Judge Robert Newsom read a proclamation in honor of each school’s achievements.

2021 Miller Grove ISD Boys Cross County 1A State Champions are recognized Feb. 14, 2022, by Hopkins County Commissioners Court.

The Miller Grove Hornets won the UIL State 1A Boys Cross Country Championship, producing extraordinary 5K results, with a team average of 17.9 at the Round Rock meet. The Nov. 5, 2021 state championship is Miller Grove’s fifth consecutive state title.

“Recognized as Texas’ finest, the team rightfully took their place on the podium as champions with great pride,” Newsom read from the proclamation for the Hornets. He encouraged “all to applaud these young men for their united ambition in accomplishing this fifth-year victory as undefeated champions for the state of Texas in the 2021 Class 1A State Cross Country Meet.”

According to the MGISD coaches, students came to the school all summer, including students who either came in the morning or after school or summer jobs.

While two students put in the most miles, the entire team’s dedication including running about 65 miles each week, some making the “easy run” of 6-7 miles daily, one team member noted.

(Courtesy Photo from Feb. 14, 2022 Commissioners Court proclamation)

Newsom noted that the extra time consuming work each student put in is evident in the MGISD students’ achievements.

The county judge then recognized “the display of great determination and perseverance of each member of the Saltillo Independent School District Cross Country Boys Team toward obtaining the team average of 18:03 while competing at the event.”

Saltillo ISD Boys Cross Country team recognized as 2021 silver medalists at the State meet

The Saltillo students earned the silver medal at the 2021 UIL State Cross Country Meet. November 2021 marked the seventh consecutive time the Saltillo ISD Cross Country Boys Team’s has secured a spot on the podium.

The team included Luke Ritter, Jacob Sexton, Rowdy Speir, Cristian Trejo, Coy Johnson, Gunner Traver, Andrew Redburn and Adrian Don Juan. Coaches are Bret; and manager is Landon Peeples.

Newsom appealed “to all citizens of Hopkins County to congratulate the great effort, determination and persistence of the Boys Cross Country Team of the Saltillo Independent School District.”

Coach Bill Giles thanked the judge and commissioners for annually recognizing the cross country students for their state accomplishments and extended congratulations to the Miller Grove team for being the state champions again. Giles said each year his students strive to get ahead of the MG team, but as of the past 5 state meets have yet to achieve that.

He noted that the runners are a good group of young men he is proud of on the field and off. He noted that the team begins in April and continue reporting throughout the summer to prepare for the fall competitions. Many of the students begin as incoming 6th graders, and are followed by younger siblings who also strive to represent their school and team well by working hard and giving their personal best. Two of the students began running for the school in seventh grade and are still team mates as seniors.

Saltillo ISD Boys Cross Country team were named the state silver medalists. Pictured: Coach Bret Myers, Coach Bill Giles, Luke Ritter, Jacob Sexton, Rowdy Speir, Cristian Trejo, Coy Johnson, Gunner Traver, Andrew Redburn, Adrian Don Juan, Coach Casey Riddle, Manager Landon Peeples and Coach Nick Boekhorst

(Courtesy Photo from Feb. 14, 2022 Commissioners Court proclamation)

Newsom commended coaches of both teams for doing a great job with outstanding programs that produce responsible, dedicated you people wo represent their school and community well as athletes and well rounded individuals.

Author: KSST Contributor

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