Last season was believed to be a first for the Aledo cross country program. While known throughout the state, it seems that never before had they qualified both girls and boys for the state meet.
In 2023 they did just that. In fact, the Ladycats finished second in the state and have almost the entire team returning in 2024.
Meanwhile, the Bearcats have lots of talent back to join the girls in making another run — no pun intended — for state.
“Our tradition stems from the kids and their work ethic,” head coach Mike Pinkerton said. “We have set the bar very high, and these athletes are up to the challenge.”
Pinkerton’s program is nothing short of dominant. The Bearcats have won five straight district championships and the Ladycats have won four of the past five.
In fact, last season the Bearcats junior varsity posted a perfect score at district with having the top five individual finishers. It was the second time in the season they did such.
Leading the Ladycats’ returning contingent from state are sophomore Micah Neal and junior Molly Garrison, who were seventh and 12th individually at state last season. Also, junior Madison Larson was 22nd, and junior Sofia Brandenburg and Mykel Murry were 48th and 49th.
Sophomore Mayden Mitchell also ran at state and was 124th.
The Bearcats will be led by three—time state competitor Jack Fink, who still has one of the oddest and most interesting stories of any runner anywhere. As a freshman, he was hit by a deer while running in practice, hospitalizing him. He returned to compete with the team, then returned individually in 2022 and back with the team a year ago, placing 20th individually.
Junior Dominick Barrera is back after placing 107th at state in 2023, as are senior Luke Schabel (112th) and sophomore Tyler Connelly (117th).
As usual, the Bearcats and Ladycats will compete in a tough schedule throughout the regular season.
“We have a tough schedule, but you don’t improve unless you are pushed. The meets we are going to will do just that,” Pinkerton said.
The league has changed for Aledo this season. Gone from 5-5A are Justin Northwest and Wichita Falls Rider. They were replaced by Saginaw Chisholm Trail and Keller Fossil Ridge, the latter having dropped down from Class 6A.
Also in the district still is perennial toughie Granbury, along with returners Azle, Saginaw, and White Settlement Brewer.
“Our district is always competitive,” Pinkerton said. “We also have two new teams in the district, so we will need to be prepared.”
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here