By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
Both Comstock cross country teams are going to state.
The boys team won first place in San Angelo Oct. 26 while the girls finished fourth in the UIL Region II-A championships.
The boys team is coached by Lee Abbey, and the Lady Panthers are coached by his daughter, Jaclyn. This is definitely the first time a father and daughter have teamed up to coach the school’s teams to the state meet in Val Verde County. It could be the first time in Texas history, but no one is real sure.
“There really isn’t a database for that kind of thing,” said Brian Argabright, 830 Times sports editor.
However, Abbey isn’t letting this focus on him or his daughter.
“This is about these kids, not us,” said Abbey. “These kids have pushed themselves through the season for this opportunity to represent Comstock ISD and run at the State meet.”
The father daughter duo have each of their teams in Texas’ Top 16, an honor not to be taken lightly.
Setting the pace for the boys was Federico (Freddy) Terrones who finished fifth, zipping through the five-kilometer course in 19 minutes and 4 seconds. Finishing in the top 20 was 19th place finisher Matthew Sanchez who finished in 20 minutes and 16 seconds. Rounding out the top 20 was Edgar Crane, who finished two tenths of a second behind Sanchez.
Other top finishers for the Panthers were Jaiden Sanchez – 34th, 20:54; Logan (Brent) Henderson – 46th, 21:25; Will Fooshee – 47th, 21:26 and Brett Clark – 73rd, 22:32.
There were 132 male runners in the field.
The Lady Panthers had two runners in the top 20 led by Emily Mila, who finished the two-mile course 12th with a 13-minute and 48-second finish. Eight seconds behind her was Kennia Lopez, finishing 15th with a 13-minute and 56-second finish.
Other Lady Panther finishers were Yaritza (Yari) Peña – 26th, 14:28; Arleth Garcia – 39th, 14:54; Andrea Lopez – 59th, 15:17; Isela Chavez – 66th, 15:24 and Rebecca Mitchell – 89th, 15:56.
There were 156 female runners competing.
Coach Jaclyn Abbey said preparation for the Nov. 5 state championship race in Round Rock is full-speed ahead. “My girls are very excited for state. This has been a goal in mind for them all season. Right now they are continuing their driven efforts in practice as well as working to stay healthy on and off the course,” said Abbey.
—
Contact the author at joelalangton@gmail.com.
