Pack dogs — San Benito’s Joe Ibarra stayed with a pack of runners during the 51st annual Harlingen Invitational last weekend. (Courtesy photo/Albert Villegas)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
HARLINGNEN, TX —Runners from the San Benito and Rio Hondo cross country teams competed last Saturday in the varsity and sub-varsity divisions during the 51st annual Harlingen Invitational at the Sports Complex.
In the varsity boys’ race, San Benito’s Joe Ibarra came in ninth place with a time of 16:38.60. He was followed by teammates Kevin Martinez (17:25.70), Aaron Rostro (17:50.50), Jon Montemayor (18:51.20), Jose Martinez (19:58.30), Jesus Millan (20:54.19), Lorenzo Machuca (21:38.80).
Rio Hondo’s Justin Cortez had a time of 18:59.03, respectively.
San Benito’s Nathan Cervantes, Jordan Arredondo, Josiah Rivera were among 82 running entries.
“Our team performed great, many of the boys hit PRs (personal records),” second-year Head Coach Jose Torres said. “They have been working all summer for this season, as four of my top runners are seniors. They are fully committed to this season and (later) track season; they’re doing all it takes to improve every week.”
The boys are looking to once again compete at the Class 6A Region IV Tournament.
There were no runners entered from both schools in the girls’ varsity category.
In the JV boys’ race, San Benito’s Ryan Castaneda finished with a time of 24:28.0.
Rio Hondo runner Jerry Cavazos, and San Benito runners Aaron Rodriguez, Aaron Huerta, Mark Koite, Christopher Sankovet, Nehemiah Rivera, Santiago Cruz, Roy Garcia, Daniel Rothrock, Osiel Recio, Amadeo Hernandez were among 89 running entries.
Coach Torres said the number of SBHS runners grew from a year ago, when he had six athletes. This year, he has the luxury of working with 23 runners.
“We have a stronger team as we have grown,” Torres said.
In the JV girls’ race, San Benito competed with Alexia Delgado (13:24.0), Madisann Murillo (14:37.30), Alyssandra De la Rosa (15:40.50), Rebecca Sanchez (16:46.30), and Lexus Gonzalez (16:46.80).
Rio Hondo runner Zaekyn Guillen was among 94 running entries.
In the freshman boys’ category, there were 55 running entries. San Benito’s Joaquin Gasca finished with a time of 13:34.60, followed by Reyes Bryan Estrada, who ran a 14:57.50 time. Rio Hondo’s Angel Rodriguez (15:53.30) and Lorenzo Padron (17:10.80) followed.
Among the female runners San Benito competed with were Andrea Villarreal (14:31.0) and Sophia Villafranca (15:54.20). Rio Hondo’s Selena Martinez and Mayeli Hernandez were among 36 running entries in the race.
Recent Comments