It was a historic day for the Anderson Trojan Cross Country team Saturday at Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock. Not only did Colby Huntress place sixth, achieving the highest ever finish for a Trojan at the UIL State Meet, but the Girls’ Team became the first squad in history to compete at the event.
Huntress, still fighting his way back from illness, ran a very tactical race. He started out comfortably in the pack, passing the first mile in 38th place in 4:59. By the two-mile mark he had moved through the pack and into 21st place. Then with a little over 400m remaining, he made his move, passing nine other runners on his way to the podium.
Colby’s sixth place finish surpasses Nikolai Horbovetz, who competed one season for the Trojans and placed ninth at the 2012 UIL State Meet.
Just getting a chance to compete as a team at the State Meet was an incredible accomplishment for the girls’ team. Lucy Gibson led the team, running a season-best 20:40 to finish out a great junior season. Unfortunately, senior Faith Murphy suffered an injury and was unable to finish the race.
The future looks bright for both teams.
The boys’ team will return a core of the three juniors: Huntress, Andrew Saeger and Manny Garduno who will be supported by a large contingent of freshman and sophomores who are ready to step in.
The girls’ team may lose Murphy and Leah Heckmann but return a host of underclassmen who gained some huge experience by competing at Regionals and State.
