The anticipation is palpable. The cool morning air, the pounding of shoes against the earth, and the drive to push beyond limits. The athletes are confident and focused, as described by Coach Wren. The athletes are ready to turn their training into triumph, with district glory in sight.

“We try to go there every year so that we can run the course before district,” Coppell cross country coach Landon Wren said. “So that our kids can get a feel for what it’s going to be like.” 

Wren said the meet is a crucial part of preparing the players for the district, gauging their readiness and their necessary improvements.

The Coppell boys team finished in third place, which pleased Wren.

Coppell Senior Pranav Vegiraju placed eighth overall and the best on the boys team at 15:02. 

“That’s the fastest that he’s ever run on that course,” Wren said. “After comparing our times this year to our team last year at this same meet, I was more confident with where we’re at right now.” 

Junior Rohit Kalpathy and Senior Grant O’Neal followed closely behind, with times of 15:48 and 15:56, placing 32nd and 39th overall. 

On the girls’ side, Sophomore Maya Easterwood led the Cowgirls, placing second overall at 17:11, just a few seconds behind last year’s state champ. The Cowgirls finished 16th overall, with Senior Mallory Sherrer and Senior Rachel Arrington completing the top three on the girls side, placing times of 19:16 and 20:52, respectively.  

“I think it also showed that there’s still some work to do to really eventually get to where we need to get,” Wren said. 

The meet also gave Wren an opportunity to identify who their main opponents will be this year. Despite the considerable competition, he is confident in the ability of his players to clutch out the District 5-6A on October 11th, 8 AM.

 “The teams that are going to give us the best competition are probably Marcus, Flower Mound and Hebron,” Wren said. “I feel like we are the district favorite.

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