The Wylie East girls cross country team is back at Founders Park on Thursday morning, aiming for a third district title in four years and a second straight state appearance. The Lady Raiders, who captured district crowns in 2023 and 2024, will line up for the varsity races at 8 a.m., hoping to repeat the success that earned junior Evangeline Williams a seventh‑place finish and a state medal in the Class 6A girls race last year.
Key athletes and roster changes
With four seniors graduating, including former No. 2 runner Maddie Akers, the Raiders have leaned on fresh talent. Freshman Olivia Jeffcoats has stepped into the top‑spot role, while junior Isabelle Price has dramatically lowered her time. Fellow juniors Amiya Runsewe and Reagan Tolar have also posted impressive seasons, bolstering the team’s depth.
Wylie boys chase individual glory
On the boys’ side, senior Michael Price is a contender for the individual title after setting a school record of 15:21 at the Dub East Invitational. Junior Jaden Parish, sophomore Tyson Em and freshman Carson Clark are hoping the miles logged over the summer translate into another regional meet berth.
Lady Pirates look to youth and experience
The Wylie boys’ team, known as the Pirates, is pursuing a ninth consecutive district title in the past decade. After losing five seniors—including three‑time state qualifier Zachary Brumfield and vocal leader Brady Kemp—the squad has turned to a younger core. Senior Jaron Savage emerged as a leader, having placed third at the Dustin Rodriguez Invitational with a 17:20 finish.
Freshman Johnathan Tesfaye captured fifth place in 17:20, junior Aiden Harlow was sixth in 17:46, and sophomore Luke Boruk took seventh also in 17:46. Junior Lincoln Shumard finished 12th in 18:20, senior Pedro Medina 13th in 18:31, and freshman Noah Nash 14th in 18:35, showing the team’s balance with the top seven runners finishing within 75 seconds of each other.
Lady Pirates’ rising stars
Senior Alexis Lee will anchor the Lady Pirates, who were district runners‑up last year. Although sophomore Anabelle Angeles transferred out, freshmen Alice Hall and Elliana Williams have filled the top spots. Williams won the Dustin Rodriguez Invitational in 19:16, while Hall placed seventh in 20:59. Lee secured fifth place. Sophomores Sarah Barbe, Vanessa Vazquez, Emerson Pierce and Kyndell Bacon, along with junior Alyssa Prinz, have also contributed significantly.
Community support and outlook
Both programs have drawn strong community backing, with parents and alumni traveling to Founders Park to cheer the athletes. The cross country season provides a wholesome outlet for students to develop discipline, perseverance, and teamwork—values that resonate with families across Wylie.
As the races approach, coaches emphasize the importance of staying focused, trusting the training done over the summer, and representing Wylie with pride. Whether the goal is a district crown or a state medal, the athletes are prepared to run their best and showcase the spirit of Wylie’s schools.
Original reporting: Wylie News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
