The Giddings cross country team competed at the HOKA/McNeil Invitational on September 23rd in Round Rock, Texas. The meet is a preview of the same course to be run on at the UIL State Championships in November. "This weekend was all about experience for us. We wanted to run the state meet course and want to get another shot at it in November." said Giddings Head Coach James Ortiz.
The boys team, who are currently ranked #3 in state for Class 4A, won the 4A Division competition over other state ranked opponents. The Buffaloes were led by senior Kayden Bloodworth who posted a top-10 finish in a time of 15:54.50, which was good for 9th overall. Two other Buffaloes medaled, finishing in the top-15. Tristan Martinez and Julian Olivares ran 16:15.30 and 16:19.10 to earn 14th and 15th place. Kooper Bloodworth (16:41.40, 23rd) & Joseph Villegas (16:45.80, 26th) rounded off the top five for the Buffaloes. In the girls race, many Lady Buffs set season best times but went on to finish 21st in the team standings. Kaitlin Wilson was the top finisher in 47th place with a time of 12:49.40. Defending 4A state champions, Celina, won the girls team title. "We know what we are getting into when we come here but we come because we welcome this level of competition." Ortiz said.
The Buffaloes will wind down as they prepare for the District 22-4A Championships in Caldwell, Texas on October 11th. The Giddings girls and boys are currently the defending district champions. The Lady Buffs will aim for their third straight district title.