The varsity Lady Hawks take home first, and the varsity boys grabbed second, at their district cross country race on Saturday. Both teams are bound for regionals next week.

The runners work out every morning before most students are even awake. From long runs to speed days, practice and consistent training is what got them to regionals.

“I was super impressed with how well both teams did. They’ve all worked hard throughout the entire summer and it has paid off,” coach Chrystal Thomas said.

The varsity girls’ team is made up of Katie Hucheson (11th), Katlyn Sweatman (11th), Sophia Tuttlebee (11th), Phoebe Robertson (10th), Delia Tuttlbee (9th), Madison Ethridge (9th), and Kadie Bowman (9th). The varsity guys include Joseph Saldino (12th), Tevrin Jackson (12th), Kole Bridges (11th), Linton Colvin (11th), Cade Haak (9th), Carson Sanders (9th), and Lucas Edwards (9th).

This years’ district was moved a week ahead from when it was planned, so the runners had to get quickly adjusted to the sooner date. The meet was also changed from North Lamar to Atlanta, which brought some unexpected challenges for the runners.

“I think everyone’s times were slower than normal because the course was very hilly and it was very hot,” freshman Delia Tuttlebee said. The girls and guys placed very well against their competiton, but most everyone’s times weren’t as fast as usual. Thomas said that the heat and the many hills affected several runners’ times. However, it didn’t present a huge challenge for runner Carson Sanders who had a great time for himself and enjoyed competing against his friends. “I’m proud that I beat Lucas and that I was one of the top five for the team,” Carson said.

A prominent addition to the girls team aided the varsity girls’ win. Katlyn Sweatman, a former runner for New Boston who won several state championships there, moved to Pleasant Grove this year and is continuing to run. She took first overall for the Lady Hawks on Saturday with a time of 13:08. “I was proud of both our teams and how we did,” Katyln said. The teams heads to Grand Prairie on Sunday, Oct. 22. “I’m incredibly proud of my team, including the boys and girls in cross country,” junior Linton Colvin said. “From accountability to just running our guts out, I can’t be more happy where we are not just as a team, but as a family.”