Cotulla to compete in 28-3A CC meet in Crystal City

By Manuel Azocar III - Sports Writer/Managing Editor | October 4, 2023

Gonzales is 22nd for Cowboys

Cotulla’s young cross country team took the field for a final time before district competition as they took part in the Ricardo Gallegos Cross Country Invitational at Crystal City on Saturday, September 30.
Paul Gonzales was 22nd overall in the boys’ division as he was the Cowboys’ only varsity participant at the event.
“Although many of our times are improving, we continue to have injuries setting back some key runners,” CHS Head Coach Jose Olvera said of his squad. “In a meet that was inundated by a couple of 6A schools amongst our usuals schools, our kiddos’ efforts brought them back with medals.”
Gonzales captured a varsity medal while Jesus Alcocer ran in the junior varsity division and placed seventh. On the girls’ side, Angela Vargas led the Cowgirls, as she finished 14th.
“Last years regional runner, Carisia Rodriguez is having a difficult time recovering from an injury,” Olvera said. “She ran through pain at this meet but we’ll have to see how she is feeling by district.
“We have a really young team, and our goal is to continue improving and staying as healthy as possible for district.”
Complete results are as follows: varsity boys, Paul Gonzales, 22nd; varsity girls, Angela Vargas, 14th, Carisia Rodriguez, 32nd, Isabella Gonzales, 37th; junior varsity results: Jesus Alcocer, seventh; Juliana Garcia, 12th.

Junior high results are as follows: eighth boys, Emmanuel Lopez, tenth, Jerick Gonzales, 26th, Frank Martinez, 43rd, Jose Sauceda, 48th, Emiliano Serna, 60th; eighth girls, Leila Olvera, 30th, Carina Rodriguez, 41st, Juliana Del Toro, 42nd, Anavae Segura, 43rd; seventh boys, Pablo Garcia, first, Joaquin Gonzales, 15th, Royce Garcia, 25th, Rayce Garcia, 30th, Enrique Garcia, 44th, Aiden Martinez, 49th; seventh girls, Jazlyn Olivas, 14th, Chloe Garcia, 25th, Bailey Rodriguez, 36th, Bella Rodriguez, 37th, Evolet Vargas, 45th.
“Our eighth grade girls ran well but we fell short to the much bigger schools,” Olvera said of his junior high squad. “Pablo ran determined, leading from the beginning and made history with his first place finish.
“Joaquin came in with an impressive 15th place and Royce was 25th, all contributing to a fifth place finish as a team. Our seventh grade girls were fourth as a team with Jazzlyn leading the Cowgirls, placing 14th and Chloe Garcia was 25th.
“I do appreciate all the parents that continue to make these meets weekend after weekend to support Cotulla cross country,” Olvera said.
Cotulla will compete at the District 28-3A meet on Wednesday, October 11 at Crystal City.