Determining What To Do About Damaged Trees
By Mario Villarino, Texas AgriLife Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources in Hopkins County, [email protected]
A storm can leave trees looking like there is no tomorrow. Major limbs may be broken or damaged, foliage can be shredded or stripped, or the bark may be torn or gouged. But what at first glance may look like mortal wounds are not necessarily fatal to a tree. Trees have an amazing ability to recover from storm damage.
Before writing off a damaged tree as a “goner,” homeowners should evaluate their trees by asking the following questions:
- Other than the storm damage, is the tree basically healthy and vigorous?
- If the tree is basically healthy, is not creating a hazard, and did not suffer major structural damage, it will generally recover if first aid measures are applied immediately after the storm.
- Are major limbs broken? The larger a broken limb is, the harder it will be for the tree to recover from the damage. If most of the main branches are gone, the tree may have little chance of surviving.
- Has the leader (the main upward-trending branch on most trees) been lost? In species where a leader is important to upward growth or a desirable appearance, saving the tree may have to be a judgment call. The tree may live without its leader, but at best it would be a stunted or deformed version of the original.
- Is at least 50 percent of the tree’s crown (branches and leaves) still intact? This is a good rule of thumb on tree survivability. A tree with less than half of its branches remaining may not be able to produce enough foliage to nourish the tree through another season.
- How big are the wounds where branches have been broken or bark has been damaged? The larger the wound is in relation to the size of the limb, the less likely it is to heal, leaving the tree vulnerable to disease and pests. A 2- to 3-inch wound on a 12-inch diameter limb will seal over with new bark within a couple of years.
- Are there remaining branches that can form a new branch structure? The remaining limbs will grow more vigorously as the tree tries to replace its missing foliage. Look to see if there are branches that can eventually fill out the tree’s appearance.
- Is the tree of a desirable species for its location? If the tree is in the wrong location (such as a potentially tall tree beneath a power line), or is an undesirable species for the property (messy fruit, etc.), it may be best to remove it if it has serious damage.
In general, the answer as to what to do about a particular tree will fall into one of three categories:
- It’s a Keeper
- If damage is relatively slight, prune any broken branches, repair torn bark or rough edges around wounds, and let the tree begin the process of wound repair.
- Wait and See
- If a valuable tree appears to be a borderline case, resist the temptation to simply cut the tree down and be done with it. It may be best to stand back for a while and think it over. Remember that time is on your side. After careful pruning of broken branches, give the tree some time to recover. A final decision can be made later.
- A mature shade tree can usually survive the loss of one major limb. The broken branch should be pruned back to the trunk. In the months that follow, large wounds should be closely monitored for signs of decay. Although the tree has been damaged, enough strong limbs may remain on a basically healthy tree to make saving it possible.
- Young trees can sustain quite a bit of damage and still recover quickly. If the leader is intact and the structure for future branching remains, remove the damaged limbs and allow the tree to recover. Resist the temptation to prune too heavily. Remember that the tree will need all the foliage it can produce in order to make it through the next growing season. Remove only the damaged limbs, then wait and see what happens.
- A healthy, mature tree can recover even when several major limbs are damaged. With large trees, a professional arborist should be brought in to assess damage and to safely accomplish needed pruning and branch removal.
- Say Goodbye
- Some trees simply can’t be saved or are not worth saving. If the tree has already been weakened by disease, if the trunk is split, or if more than 50 percent of the crown is gone, the tree has lost its survival edge.
Don’t Try to Do It All Alone
Some of your trees may have damage that’s too close to call, or they may have hidden damage. If that is the case, you’ll need a tree professional to help you decide what to do. Don’t hire just anyone who shows up at your door after a storm. Look for qualified arborists in the phone book or by contacting your state or city forester.
Tree Tragedy
This otherwise healthy young tree has lost too much of its crown-the leafy head that is vital for survival. It will probably not be able to grow enough new branches and leaves to provide needed nourishment, and will never be able to regain its former beautiful shape.
Hopeless Case
About all that’s left of this tree is its trunk. The few remaining branches can’t provide enough foliage to enable the tree to make it through another growing season. Farewell to a Friend: A rotten inner core in the trunk or structural weakness in branching patterns can cause a split trunk-the tree equivalent of a heart attack. The wounds are too large to ever mend, and the tree has lost its sap lifeline between roots and leaves. This tree is all but dead.
For more information on this or any other agricultural topic please contact the Hopkins County Extension Office at 903-885-3443 or email me at [email protected].
Winnsboro Police Department Media Report Oct. 31, 2022 to Nov. 6, 2022
Winnsboro Police Department each week provides a media report with information about department activity. WPD activity for the week Oct. 31-Nov. 6, 2022, included:
Arrests
- River Scudday, 21 years of age, of Gilmer, was arrested on Nov. 5, 2022, on an Upshur County warrant for striking fixture or highway landscape valued at $200 or less.
- Scotty Wallis, 33 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Nov. 4, 2022, on two Wood County Justice of the Peace warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and criminal mischief – more than $100 but less than $750. He is also being charged with possession of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B Controlled Substance, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.
- Sara Dickens, 32 years of age, of Winnsboro, was arrested on Nov. 4, 2022 for possession of a 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1/1-B controlled substance and fraudulent use or possession of identifying information.
Calls for Service
The Winnsboro Police Department responded to a total of 106 calls for service during this reporting period.
Citations
The Winnsboro Police Department issued 29 citations and 21 warnings during this reporting period.
Hopkins County Community Once Again Comes Through For United Way, Agencies It Helps
The Hopkins County community has once again come through for United Way and the 18 agencies it will help with funds from the 2022-2023 campaign. Hopkins County United Way officers and campaign workers extend heartfelt thanks to all for their contributions, which have helped make this another successful campaign year.
“Every penny truly is valued,” Emily Glass, 2022-2023 HCUW campaign chair, said at the final campaign workers report meeting Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022.
As campaign workers gathered around the table in Texas AgriLife Extension conference room, Glass noted that the campaign was well on it’s way to successfully meeting the $150,000 goal. They started the day at $107,507.08, and as each new contribution was turned in, each was celebrated with clapping and cheering.
HCUW Executive Secretary Susan Berning handed out a blue card with a snowflake glued onto it. The Hopkins county community, HCUW campaign volunteers and contributors, like snowflakes, may not be able to do as much individually, but working together benefit thousands of Hopkins County residents of all ages and groups through the 18 agencies HCUW has allocated funding from the 2022-2023 campaign.
Berning offered thanks to Larry Crowson and the employees at Sulta Mfg, for faithfully putting up the campaign thermometer by the firehouse on Gilmer St., sometimes more than once each year if it is knocked down due to weather.
Among the industries and groups contributing to this week’s total were Galyean Insurance; Alliance Bank employees and corporate office, which more than match their contribution; Robinson Bennet Construction, Dixon & Dixon Insurance; Sulphur Springs ISD employees, a new high total; Copy Products; Aerostar; Clarion Pointe Hotel; Cumby ISD, a new high total; Flip’s Burgers; Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office; Shing Investments; additional contributions from CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital-Sulphur Springs employees; Stefani’s Hair Studio; a donation submitted by Hopkins County native in California, via PayPal.; Ocean Spray employees; FlowServe employees; GSC corporate and employees; Bright Star Floors; Bearing General Contractors; Cowboy Trucking; Coldwell Banker-Watson Company; another donation from Jay Hodge, part of the dealership’s pledge from each car sold last month; D6, Inc.; Triple Crown Roofing; Yard By Yard nursery; Pioneer Memorial; April Showers; Magic Scoop; McKay Law; KSBR; A1 Auto Supply; Cross Motor Sales; Affordable Chiropractic; Barnes Chiropractic; Hill Family Chiropractic; iFocus Vision Care; Town Square Antique Mall; Sulphur Springs Livestock; Jason Tully Insurance; Highlander Trading Center; Bill and Charlotte Zahn; HSC Orthodontics; and City National Bank employees and corporate.
By the time the meeting was getting ready to wrap up, more than $48,400 in donations and pledges had come in. Just as the campaign total was reported, Glass spoke on the phone with a campaign worker who reported additional contributions, raising the HCUW campaign total to $167,459.08 and counting. (Glass and Berning said a few businesses have yet to get their donations in, but have faithfully given in the past and anticipated to continue their history of giving to HCUW.)
The donations given will provide a lot of help for this community through the 18 agencies allocated funding from the $150,000 campaign goal:
HCUW 2022-2023 campaign allocations include:
- Bright Star Baseball, $1,500
- CANHelp, $18,250
- Circle Ten Council of Boy Scouts of America, $1,000
- Community Players, Inc., $1,500
- East Texas Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (ETCADA), $1,500
- Heritage Christian Counseling Center, $8,000
- Hopkins County 4-H, $2,750
- Hopkins County Christian Alliance on behalf of Community Cupboard
- Hopkins County Community Chest, $40,000
- Lake CASA, $10,000
- Lakes Regional Community Center on behalf of Our Place, $4,500
- Meal-A-Day, $8,000
- Northeast Texas Child Advocacy Center, Inc. (NETCAC), $3,500
- Shelter Agencies for Families in East Texas (SAFE-T), $5,000
- Shadow Ranch Therapeutic Riding Center, 4,000
- Sulphur Springs Symphony League, $1,000
- Teen Court, $2,500
- The Dinner Bell, $5,000
- United Way Worldwide, $1,500
- Administrative Expenses, $23,500
1 In Custody Following Two-County Interstate 30 Vehicle Pursuit
One person was arrested following a two-county Intestate 30 chase Thursday morning, according to sheriff’s reports.
The incident began when officers attempted to make contact with the occupant of a vehicle to see if the motorist needed assistance. The driver of the vehicle in question, reported to be a female, took off on I-30 west. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Cumby Police Department officers pursued the vehicle.
According to law enforcement reports, the woman at one point tried to back over an officer, with shots fired. The vehicle did ram into a HCSO vehicle at one point. The pursuit continued at varied slow speeds ranging from 60 to 30 at times west through Hunt County, where Texas Department of Public Safety and Greenville Police Department were reported to have joined the chase.
The chase continued to mile marker 90 on I-30 west in Hunt County. The female was taken into custody around 9:30 a.m. A Taser was reported to have been deployed during that process.
The woman was transported by HCSO Sgt. Richard Greer to Hopkins County jail, arriving around 10:40 a.m. Nov. 10, 2022. A V-cell was reported to be requested based on the woman’s unruly behavior.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
Thanksgiving Dinner Bell Menu for November 16, 2022
The Knights of Columbus are smoking the turkeys and are the Community Partner for our holiday celebration. These men are REPEAT (many years) Thanksgiving partners! Dinner Bell is extremely thankful for their support!!!
The Annual Thanksgiving Dinner Bell Meal will be served inside First United Methodist Church. There will be no food pickup for this meal.
MENU
Turkey, Cranberry Sauce, Dressing, and Gravy
Fresh Green Beans with Bacon
Holiday Honeycrisp Salad
Homemade Rolls
Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cake
BE CAREFUL AS THE PANDEMIC IS STILL IN OUR MIDST! WEAR MASKS WHERE REQUIRED! WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN! GET INOCULATED AND BOOSTED!
DINNER BELL CARES ABOUT YOUR HEALTH!!!
The mission of the Dinner Bell is to end hunger in Hopkins County. Fresh, hot, nutritious meals are prepared by volunteers each Wednesday and served to our guests at the First United Methodist Church. Through the generous support of church and community members and corporate sponsors we have been able to serve over 20,000 meals to those in need since opening our kitchen in 2012.
If you or your business would like to sponsor a Dinner Bell meal, give them a call at 903.885.2185
Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Band Add State Ranking To Accomplishments
There’s a reason band instructors and fans adopted “Man, Oh Man, That Wildcat Band” as this year’s motto. The Sulphur Springs High School Wildcat Band on Nov. 9 topped off the remarkable 2022 marching season by adding a state ranking to the students’ accomplishments this year.
The Wildcat Band advanced to state first by earning straight first division ratings from all judges at the District UIL Marching Contest on Oct. 11, then followed that up with a second place finish at the UIL Area Marching Contest on Oct. 28.
The Wildcat Band took the Alamodome field Wednesday morning to perform the show they have been working on since summer, striving to get better with each performance. The students gave what band instructors called “an amazing performance” at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 9, which advanced them to the State UIL Marching Finals. Their performance at 9 p.m. Wednesday night was event better, resulting in the Wildcat Band, a group making state history just by qualifying and competing at the UIL 4A State Marching Contest, finishing 4th overall among all 4A bands in Texas, SSHS instructors reported around 10:15 p.m. Wednesday night.
This year’s show was designed to combine the fun a DreamWorks production with traditional smooth jazz and classical pieces in a way that leaves the audience feeling as if they are soaring along with the band. The pieces will include John Powell’s flight music from “How To Train Your Dragon,” as well as the version of “Fly Me To the Moon” made popular by Frank Sinatra, as well as operettic pieces by Gioachino Rossini and others. The fantastical program is designed in a way to allow a few exceptional students, including a drum major and oboist, to showcase their abilities by performing solos within the program.
As planned, the Wildcat Band not only soared to new heights of performance with the program, but also carry their audiences soaring through the night sky along with them.
Way to go SSHS Wildcat Band and instructors! Congratulations!
Crimson Bryant Signs Letter of Intent with the University of Texas at Tyler Patriots
Lady Cats senior softball player Crimson Bryant, a three-year member of the Lady Cats varsity softball team, signed a letter of intent Wednesday, Nov. 9 to play softball at the next level at the University of Texas at Tyler.
Bryant is the daughter of Jarrod and Starla Bryant.
Bryant said she met the coaching staff when the senior softball player made her official visit.
The senior said it just felt like a good fit for her. She said UT Tyler’s softball program felt like a family, making it an easy choice for her.
The campus is an hour and a half from Sulphur Springs.
The senior is excited at the opportunity to lead the team and make the field as a freshman.
The senior said getting a softball offer to play at the collegiate level is a dream come true. Bryant at the moment plans to major in business or potentially marketing.
Bryant’s Lady Cats Coach David Carrillo said he has seen incredible growth in the three years he has been around and worked with the senior, adding she has put in the work and is an incredibly gifted athlete.
Coach Carrillo said one of his fondest memories of the senior was the first two scrimmages Bryant pitched in Sulphur Springs, the coach wanted to take it easy for the first-time starter for the Lady Cats, and the UT Tyler signee struck out all nine batter she faced.
The next scrimmage, at McKinney Boyd (and my first Lady Cats softball game), Bryant struck out 18 batters. It was at that moment Coach Carillo knew he had a machine.
The softball coach said the program is grateful and blessed to have such a talented, hard-working player in the program.
Bryant’s varsity coach took it one step further by saying the UT Tyler signee is incredibly selfless and a team-oriented player.
Coach Carrillo said he will miss the senior and all the work she put in day-in and day-out.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Nov. 8 Election Results For US, State and District Offices
Hopkins County voters selected the same candidates as the overall state, federal and district winners on Nov. 8, 2022. However, each victor won by more than 80% in Hopkins County, and all are Republicans.
In Hopkins County, 12,212 voted in the District 4 United States Representative race, with 10,105 votes (82.75%) cast for incumbent Pat Fallon, 1,799 (14.73%) for Democrat Iro Omere and Libertarian John Simmons’ 2.52% of votes in the county. Across District 4, a total of 255,366 ballots were cast for the District 4 US Representative 170,466 (66.76%) voted for Fallon, 78,865 (30.88%) for Omere and 6,035 (2.36%) for John Simmons.
Of the 12,321 votes cast in Hopkins County in the Governor’s race, 10,208 (82.85%) voted Republican Greg Abbott to serve another term, 1,984 (16.1%) voted for Democrat Beto O’Rourke, 102 (0.83%) for Libertarian Mark Tippetts and 27 (0.22%) voted for Green Party candidate Delilah Barrios. Statewide, however, Gov. Abbott received 4,424,776 of the 8,072,188 ballots cast in the governor’s race, giving him an 11.02% lead. O’Rourke received 3,535,621 votes (42.8%), Tippetts 81,629 votes (1.01%), Barrios 28,508 votes (0.35%). The two write-in candidates for governor also received less than 1% of votes for Governor; Jacqueline Abernathy received 1,163 votes and Mark Goloby 491 votes.
Republican Dan Patrick finished ahead of the two challengers for another term as Lieutenant Governor. Patrick received 4,305,731 votes (53.81%) state-wide, but carried Hopkins County with 80.98% of votes. Democrat Mike Collier received 3,474,476 votes (42.42%) statewide, and 2,123 votes (17.29%) in Hopkins County. Libertarian Shanna Steele received 221,522 votes (2.77%) across the state and 212 votes (1.73%) in Hopkins County.
Ken Paxton finished ahead of the two challengers for the office of Attorney General. The incumbent Republican received 4,267,081 votes (53.48%) state-wide and 9,976 votes (91.44%) in Hopkins County. Democrat Rochelle Mercedes Garza received 3,479,377 votes (43.6%) state-wide and 1,984 (16.2%) in Hopkins County. Libertarian Mark Ash received 289 votes (2.36%) in Hopkins County and 232,939 (2.92%) across the state.
Glenn Hegar lead the race for Comptroller of Public Accounts by more than 15%, with the Republican incumbent receiving a total of 4,483,841 votes (56.45%) statewide and 10,187 votes in Hopkins County (83.4%). Democrat Janet T. Dudding finished with 3,248,166 votes (40.89%) statewide and 1,832 (15%) in Hopkins County. Libertarian V. Alonzo Echevarria-Garza received 195 votes (1.6%) in Hopkins County and 211,466 (2.66%) across the state.
Republican Dawn Buckingham came out ahead of the three other candidates for the office of Commissioner of General Land Office, receiving 4,451,218 votes (56.21%) from across the state and in Hopkins County she received 10,151 votes (83.61%). Democrat Jay Kleberg came in second with 3,333,093 votes state-wide (42.09%) and 1,885 (15.53%) in Hopkins County. Alfred Molison, Jr., receive 105 votes in Hopkins County (0.85%) and 132,553 (1.67%) state-wide. A total of 1,822 Texans voted for write-in candidate Carrie Evelyn Menger for General Land Office Commissioner, which is 0.02%.
In the election for Agriculture Commissioner, Republican Sid Miller received 4,467,293 votes (56.38%) and Democrat Susan Hayes received 3,456,106 votes (43.62%). That includes 10,219 voters (83.69%) who chose incumbent Miller and 1,991 (16.31%) who chose Hays in Hopkins County.
In the election for Railroad Commissioner, incumbent Wayne Christian received 4,388,791 votes (55.42%), including 10,084 Hopkins County residents (92.85%). Democrat Luke Warford received 1,800 votes (14.79%) in Hopkins County and 3,206,750 (40.49%) state-wide. Libertarian Jaime Andres Diez received 207 Hopkins County votes (1.7%) and 238,701 (3.01%) across the state. Green Party candidate Hunter Wayne Crow received 85,215 votes statewide (1.08%), including 80 ballots (0.66%) cast in Hopkins County.
Of the 7,927,760 ballots cast across Texas for Place 3 Supreme Court Justice, Debra Lehrmann finished ahead with 4,452,606 (56.16%); in Hopkins County the Republican incumbent lead with 10,109 (82.94%) votes. Democrat Erin A. Nowell finished with 3,313,670 votes (41.8%) state-wide, including 1,896 (15.56%) votes in Hopkins County. Libertarian Thomas Edward Oxford received 161,484 votes (2.04%), including 183 ballots cast in Hopkins County (1.5%).
Incumbent Place 5 Supreme Court Justice Rebeca Huddle received 4,518,207 votes to Democrat challenger Amanda Reichek’s 3,389,042 votes. That put the Republican Huddle up 57.14% to Reichek’s 42.86%, statewide. In Hopkins County, 10,323 voted for the incumbent (84.02%) and 1,946 (15.98%) for the challenger.
Republican Evan Young finished ahead of challenger Julia Maldonado for Place 9 Justice on the Supreme Court, 56.46% (4,462,343 votes) to 43.54% (3,440,852 votes). The incumbent received 10,206 votes (83.83%) and the Democrat challenger 1,969 votes (16.17%) in Hopkins County.
Incumbent Scott Walker received 57% of the ballots (4,500,846 votes) cast in Texas in the Place 5 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge race and Democrat Dana Huffman 43% (3,395,995 votes). The Republican received 83.7% (10,175 votes) and challenger 16.3% (1,981 votes) in Hopkins County.
Republican Jesse F. McClure III received 4,513,071 (57.27%) votes and Democrat challenger Robert Johnson 3,367,069 (42.73%) in the race for Place 6 Court of Criminal Appeals Judge. The incumbent received 10,162 votes (83.73%) and challenger Johnson 1,975 votes (16.2%) in Hopkins County.
While Pam Little received 10,024 (82.5%) votes in Hopkins County, the Republican garnered 398,688 votes (61.09%) at the state level in her bid for reelection to District 12 State Board of Education. Democrat Alex Cornwallis came in second for the seat with 235,161 votes (36.03%), 1,859 (15.3%) of them cast in Hopkins County. Libertarian Christy Mowrey received 18,599 votes (2.85%), 267 (2.2%) from Hopkins County. Write-in candidate Rosiland Davis received 191 votes (0.03%).
View full Election Results by clicking Hopkins County Election Results, and visit the Election Information or Secretary of State’s Office for voting totals and results.
Lady Cat Basketball Falls in Season Opener, Plays at Caddo Mills Friday
Lady Cat basketball fell in their season opener on Tuesday, Nov. 8 to Sherman 57-32.
The two teams played neck and neck through the first half, tied 29-29, but the wheels fell off in the third when visiting Sherman surged past Sulphur Springs in the second half to secure a second straight victory.
Coach Bryan Jones’s team played hard and kept it tied through the first two quarters in spite of a full-court press that Sherman instilled in the victory over the Lady Cats.
While a high number of turnovers plagued the basketball team — somewhat reminiscent of last year’s squad — but unlike last year’s team, the scoring proved much more even in the loss. Of the 32 points scored in the season-opening loss, five of six scorers on the night finished with four or more points.
The second half proved less fruitful for the Lady Cats as the team scored just three points in the home and season-opener.
While a tough loss to begin the season, they know what they can improve upon and have plenty of time to gel as the season is now underway.
Kenzie Willis and Codee Roland both were integral to the tied score at the half. The two players combined for over half of the team’s output at 16 points.
Addison Wall, Trinity Jefferson and Rainey Johnson cumulated 10 points between the three of them but fans can expect a larger output from now on as shots refused to fall for the Lady Cats in the second half. Countless possessions ended in shots bouncing in and out of the net, but even so, Coach Bryan Jones’s team never relented and played until the final whistle.
That, combined with the hustle and defensive improvements the Lady Cats showed over last season’s squad proves this program has improved since last year, but still has work to do to get back to the Sulphur Springs standard.
The 57-32 loss to Sherman in the season opener drops the Lady Cats record to 0-1.
Coach Jones and his squad look to rebound Friday by getting a win on the road at Caddo Mills.
Like Tuesday’s contest in the Sulphur Springs, junior varsity gets the action going Friday, Nov. 11 in Caddo Mills at 5 P.M. followed by the varsity around 6:15 P.M.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
Lady Cat Cross Country Finishes 15th at State Meet
Lady Cat cross country last week ran in the 4A state championship meet held at Old Settlers Park.
It’s the first time in Sulphur Springs history that Lady Cat XC has qualified for state.
Coach Ross Hicks said his team put in good effort all season long and are happy with the results.
The XC coach said his squad had to deal with a steady downpour of rain on Friday, Nov. 4 in Round Rock.
Even so, Sulphur Springs got off to a roaring start but ultimately falling behind the pack. Coach Hicks said his team gave it their all.
The Lady Cats were led by Haylee Schultz. The junior finished 85th at the state meet with a time of 13:16.60. Not even 30 seconds later came Edith Martinez. The sophomore finished 112th in Round Rock.
Laney Hurst crossed the line third for the team, at 13:54.50. The Senior placed 121st at the state meet. Coach Hicks said Hurst ran the race of her life and applauded her effort at Old Settlers Park.
Five spots later came Jolea Moore, a freshman, who ended up finishing 126th for the Lady Cats.
The final three runners all finished in the final eight spots:
- Jaicee Jasmer — 14:50.60 (145)
- Abby Williams — 15:06.70 (147)
- Dylan McKinney — 16:02.60 (152)
With 401 points, Lady Cat XC finished 15th at the 4A girls’ state meet.
Coach Hicks said he is very proud of his team for making it to state for the first time in Sulphur Springs history.
The cross country coach complimented his team for their fast start, saying Lady Cat XC was right in the thick of the competition. Coach Hicks said the squad may have given a little too much effort as they ran out of gas along the way. The Sulphur Springs coach said his team may have not been as prepared as they perhaps could have been, but still enjoyed the experience even after being drenched come race-time.
He did say the squad is not disappointed with their 15th place finish, instead that they are thrilled to be able to compete at the state competition and hopeful that they may return next year.
With only one senior graduating in Laney Hurst, Coach Hicks expects another strong year from Lady Cat XC next season.
For now though, the cross country coach shifts over to track and field come springtime.
KSST is proud to be the official Wildcat and Lady Cat Station. We broadcast Sulphur Springs ISD games year round live on radio. When allowed, we also broadcast games via our YouTube channel.
