The Randall Cross Country Girls’ team is running off to state in the 4A division. They race at 8:30 A.M. Friday, Nov. 4 in Austin.

Students and staff gathered outside this morning for the team’s state send off. The team has 10 runners heading to state: Vangie Griffin, Alex Pinter, Kaylee Ramos, Yareli Ramos, Hailey Roberson, Emily Rodriguez, Sadie Sanchez, Sierra Sanchez, Aspen Turman and Parker Weaver. Weaver and Rodriguez are alternates, and Kaylee Ramos is the manager. These runners hold a record of 7 – 3. This record has fueled their advance through all of the UIL Cross Country ranks. However, talent and endurance alone did not get them to state. According to runner Hailey Roberson, their mindset did too.

“I have worked to keep the best possible mindset and to keep the team motivated,” Roberson said. “We keep reminding ourselves how hard we worked this summer and that we can’t let it go to waste. We’re going to give it our best at state.”

This isn’t the first year, the Lady Raiders have competed at state. In fact, the Girls’ Cross Country team has been to state 10 times within the past 10 years and has won three of those state meets. The team is led by Coach Rebekah James.