Both boys and girls cross country teams will be advancing to the regional cross country meet in Lubbock Nov. 6 after both teams placed first in the district.

The 5000 meter boys’ race began with Mesa Allison, Jared Beatty, and Austin O’Brien taking the lead for the Canyon runners. Allison battled all the way to the finish line against two Hereford runners but was unable to pass them and placed third with a time of 17:22. Beatty and O’Brien battled back and forth the entire race, fighting to push the other. Beatty was able to pull up ahead and placed eighth with a time of 17:54. O’Brien followed a few seconds behind, placing ninth with a time of 18:00. Other key members were Keevan Coffman, placing 14, shortly followed by Keevyn Anderson, Nephi Ginnett, and Cody Lane who placed 16, 17, and 18 consecutively.

The 3000 meter girls’ race started out with Arin Rice, Courtney Karr, and Karah Diaz taking the lead.  Rice ran against a Randall senior all the way to the finish line, barely losing in the last 20 meters. Rice placed second with Karr and Diaz following shortly behind, placing third and fourth consecutively. The next pack of runners to arrive at the finish line was Leslie Brummet, placing 9, CJ Frizzell, placing 10, and Stephanie Gauna, seconds behind placing 11. Kateland Maddox pulled up the rear placing 16.

Both the boys and girls placed first in the district and have the potential to make the state meet.