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Timberwolves cross country heads to nationals

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VR's Ornelas, Russell, Isham also advance to national meet

Traveling is nothing new to Cedar Park cross country, as the program often goes all over the state to run against the best competition.

But after qualifying at last weekend's Nike South Regionals in Houston, the Timberwolves will travel for the first time to Portland, Ore. on Dec. 6 for the Nike Cross Country Championships.

Cedar Park, the District 16-5A champion and Region II runner-up, placed second with 98 points at the event to qualify.

“The conditions were great for running and the whole team ran so well,” said Cedar Park coach TImo Sheard. “Getting a silver medal here is such a great accomplishment and we're all looking forward to running in Oregon.”

The T'wolves seemingly ran the race they wanted, being the first team to get all five of its top runners across the finish line.

Leading the way was top runner Parker Stinson, who came in seventh overall with a time of 15-minutes, 24.20 seconds.

“I knew Parker had that kind of race in him and this was the time for it,” Sheard said.

Jay McIllece was next in 21st place with a time of 15:50.90, followed by teammates Sean O'Neil (34th, 16:00.90), Chris Galvin (39th, 16:10.60) and Austin Geerts (42nd, 16:13.30)

Also running for Cedar Park was Austin Krohn (16:40.70) and Brandon Wilkerson (18:00.90).

The Cedar Park boys' won't be the only runners at the meet from LISD, as Vista Ridge's Zach Ornelas, Amanda Russell and Ashley Isham all qualified as individual runners.

Ornelas, the state runner-up at the 5A state championships, finished fourth overall with a time of 15:16.50.

Russell, who placed fourth at state, came in fourth as well at regionals with a time of 17:37.50. Isham also matched her fifth place finish at state, placing fifth at regionals with a time of 17:55.30.

“All three of them just ran great races,” said Vista Ridge coach David Hilsenteger. “I was also very impressed with the third place finish for our girls team as well.”

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