Hoover High School’s cross‑country program continued its tradition of excellence this Thursday, capturing both the boys’ and girls’ team titles at the Class 6A Section 3 meet held at Munny Sokol Park in Tuscaloosa. The Bucs not only claimed the team crowns but also produced a host of individual qualifiers who will represent Hoover at the state championship on Nov. 7 at Oakville Indian Mounds in Moulton.
Boys Team Leads with Strong Finish
Senior Henry Bowden powered the boys’ squad to victory, crossing the finish line in 15:35.19 – roughly seven seconds ahead of Prattville’s Kayden Thomas. Hoover’s depth was evident as the team amassed just 25 points, placing all five scoring runners inside the top ten. Sawyer Burgess secured third place (15:51.71), Jamie McCarthy was fifth (15:59.09), freshman Beckum Habegger took seventh (16:09.13) and Hazen Combs finished ninth (16:16.66). Campbell Vick (11th, 16:18.97) and Shawn Burns (12th, 16:19.49) rounded out the top seven, and eight Bucs finished within the top thirteen, underscoring the program’s depth.
Girls Team Shines with Freshman Victory
Freshman Reese Gonzalez led the girls’ race, finishing in 18:06.44 – nearly 14 seconds ahead of Hewitt‑Trussville’s Mary Durham. Hoover’s girls earned the team title with a total of 56 points. Seventh‑grader Tavi Gonzalez placed seventh (19:01.92), while Amelia Vann (13th, 19:32.37), Sara Chairez (14th, 19:37.05) and Ellie Ness (21st, 20:19.24) completed the scoring five. McKenzie Kurgat (26th, 20:41.65) and Avery Knight (34th, 21:04.45) rounded out the top seven, demonstrating a strong showing across the board.
State Meet Qualifiers
Both Hoover teams have secured their spots at the upcoming state meet, where they will compete against the best cross‑country programs in Alabama. In addition, Spain Park will send five individual qualifiers based on their section performances. Senior Luca Zellner led the Jaguars’ boys in 10th place (16:18.41), with Jaxon Lansden (30th, 17:25.89), Colton Waite (36th, 17:41.53) and Reuel Mwangi (40th, 18:00.37) also earning berths. Sophomore Jheny Cassimiro qualified on the girls’ side with a 28th‑place finish (20:50.11).
Looking Ahead
The Bucs’ strong performances reflect the dedication of the athletes, coaches, and supportive families who have worked tirelessly throughout the season. As Hoover prepares for the state meet on Nov. 7, the community looks forward to cheering on its runners as they aim to bring home another championship for the city.
Original reporting: Hoover Sun — read the source article.
