LHS Cross Country gears up with Lockhart Invitational

The 2011 Lockhart Lion cross country season will get underway Saturday morning, Sept. 3, beginning at 8 a.m. at he Lockhart City Park.

The Lion harriers will be hosting the 24th annual Lockhart Invitational. Approximately 30 Central Texas schools are expected to attend the meet.

Officially, the 2011 season could have begun two weeks ago; however the extremely hot conditio

ns caused the Lockhart cross country coaches to abandon any plans of racing. Therefore, Saturday will be the first meet of the season for Lockhart.

Despite the record temperatures this summer the Lions have managed to train consistently and vigorously.

Seniors Nate Moore, Eli Spring, Joe Anchondo, Randy Cornell, Sebastian Llamas and Derrick Herrera will be providing the leadership for the Boys’ team. Moore has very high expectations for both himself and the team. Moore was all-district and all-regional last fall. In the spring, Moore placed fifth at the Texas State Track and Field meet and posted a season best of 4:18 in the mile. Moore expects to be on the medals podium this November in Round Rock.

Junior Robert Uhr, who was the number two runner for Lockhart last fall, expects to also have an outstanding fall campaign.

The junior class, led by Uhr, will also include Joseph Hefner, Xavier Espinosa, Colton Russell, Nicholas Avey, JD Amaya, Derrick Hendricks and Mario Maciel.

The Lockhart Lady Lions will have no returning seniors on the team. The team will instead be led by juniors Olivia Smith, Jenny Said and Ali Colurciello.  The Lady Lions also boast outstanding sophomore runners Kim Bandelman and Nessa Rios.

Both teams are expecting to have strong seasons and would appreciate any and all community support.

Saturday’s Lockhart Invitational at Lockhart City Park will progress as follows:

8:30 a.m. – Varsity Girls (small school)

8:50 a.m. – Varsity Girls (large school)

9:10 a.m. – Varsity Boys (small school)

9:30 a.m. – Varsity Boys (large school)

9:50 a.m. – JV Girls

10:10 a.m. – JV Boys

10:30 a.m. – Jr. High Girls

10:45 a.m. – Jr. High Boys

11 a.m. – Awards Presentation

(at the Pavilion).

The Lions and Lady Lions appreciate the community’s support in this first major race of the season.

(Courtesy of Scott Hippensteel)