Cross country is an intensive sport. They compete in open air courses with the sound of a gun to start them off.

“Our district is by far the best in the region and one of the best in the state,” head coach Javier Nyola said. “They work as a team, taking turns pushing each other.”

The success of each individual race is dependent on the difficulty of the course.

“The most difficult course had to be the Live Oak park course. The course had a lot of hills, sharp turns, and a fast start. Overall, it’s a pretty rough course,” senior Tashaun Hunter said.

This year’s team has lifted each other up in ways only they understand. During meets, there’s not one person who isn’t there for the other. They very much are a family.

“The team began to push themselves at the Seguin meet,” Hunter said. “[We] stepped up in a big way. We all realized our true potential after that meet.”

The team consisted of senior captains Hunter and Raymond Gonzales.

“The season was a success,” Gonzales said. “As a team, we grew as a whole. By the end of the season, everyone ended up accomplishing their goals. I had fun leading this special group of guys through their rough times and guiding them to their goals.”

More than anything, Hunter and Gonzales made sure to make their last year count.

“In my last year as a Rocket, I’m confident to say I left a positive mark on the Judson cross country program and I’m glad to leave on a high note,” Gonzales said.

This year, the team reached regional competition, placing fourth at district.