Lorena XC headed to state meet for seventh consecutive year

LORENA, Texas (KWTX) - For the seventh consecutive year, Matt Jackson’s Lorena cross country team has qualified for the state championship meet.

The girls have qualified as a team ever year since 2018. A group made up of mostly sophomores, the Lady Leopards are poised to grab a spot on the podium after finishing 12th at the state meet in 2024.

“Our biggest goal for this year is definitely be on the medal stand,” said junior runner Jaylah Fish. “Last year, our top goal was to be top 10, but now, it’s top three.”

“This year, we really put so much work into every single practice,” said sophomore Carter Jackson. “Just seeing it pay off, that just gives us so much confidence.

On the boys, side, sophomore Isaiah Gallegos qualified individually for the state meet in the 5k event after recording a PR of 11:46 in the regional meet.

“I expect myself to run well,” said Gallegos. “I expect it to be a little bit faster just because its state. Hopefully I can run a little bit faster.”

Heading into the state meet, Matt Jackson is feeling confident in his runners and what they’ll gain out of this experience.

“The future’s bright,” said Jackson. “I think they want to keep that tradition alive. I think that’s a good thing and there’s pressure, which pressure is a privilege. ”

The 4A state cross country meet will begin on Saturday, November 1 at Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock.

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