On Friday, Sept. 8, the Westwood cross country team had another successful meet at the Pflugerville ISD Invitational.

The varsity boys emerged triumphant, claiming first place overall in the 3-mile race. Sivin Naik led the team with a time of 17:06, coming in 8th place. All the varsity boys gave strong performances, with five runners placing in the top twenty.

The varsity girls also did well, placing 6th overall. Leading the girls was Jacqueline Stone, who placed 10th with a time of 20:54.

“I thought the team had a really strong race and everyone placed very well individually,” said Theresa Bell ‘26.

This course was notable for its incredibly flat terrain, which is ideal for runners looking to set personal bests. The course wound around several soccer fields, looping twice for a total of three miles. However, there were no trees, a rarity for cross country courses, and therefore little shade for the runners, who suffered in the sticky heat. During the races, the humidity hovered between 65-75% and the temperature rose from 80 degrees to 92 degrees.

“It was very hot,” Coach Kim Payten said. “But everyone competed well and did well.”

The JV runners, who had to contend with the most brutal conditions, also showed out. The JV boys A team placed first, and the B team claimed fourth. The JV girls’ team unfortunately did not field enough athletes to receive a placement, but both runners performed well.

James Butler of Del Valle High School came in first for the varsity boys’ race with a time of 15:49; on the girls’ side, Micah Mizell won with a time of 18:03. Salado High School swept the varsity girls’ race, claiming first with five top-ten placements.

The Warrior cross country team’s next meet will be in two weeks at the McNeil Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 23.