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El Paso high school cross country runners begin competition at 2025 UIL state meet

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 14:42 GMT by El Paso Times
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El Paso High’s Andrew Truax Secures 12th Place at UIL State Cross‑Country Meet

On Saturday, October 31 2025, the Texas University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Cross‑Country Meet unfolded in the rolling hills of Midland, a showcase of speed, stamina, and determination from some of the state’s most promising high‑school runners. Among the standout performances was Andrew Truax, a senior from El Paso High School, who earned an impressive 12th‑place finish in the 5 k individual race. The victory was a milestone for Truax and a bright sign for El Paso’s cross‑country program, setting the stage for the upcoming high‑school season.

The Race Itself

The meet, held under clear skies, attracted 180 runners from 35 schools, with the competition organized into five divisions. Truax’s 12th‑place finish placed him in the upper echelon of the state’s competitors, a remarkable achievement considering the depth of talent on the field. His final time of 17:24.8 placed him ahead of several seasoned athletes from neighboring districts, and it was a personal best that broke the 17:30 barrier—a threshold many of his teammates had been chasing all year.

Truax’s strategy was disciplined: a steady, conservative pace for the first 3 k, a surge at the 3 k mark, and a powerful sprint in the final 2 k. Coach Emily Navarro, who led El Paso’s cross‑country squad, praised his composure under pressure. “Andrew stayed calm throughout the race, kept his focus, and finished strong,” Navarro said. “His performance today will be a huge confidence booster for the rest of the team.”

Team Impact

While the individual race garnered the headline, the team results were equally significant. El Paso finished 4th overall with a score of 68 points, the best finish in the program’s history. The team’s top four runners were Andrew Truax (12th), senior runner Tyler Sanchez (28th), junior runner Maya Hernandez (42nd), and sophomore Caleb Ruiz (53rd). The fourth-place finish qualified the team for the Texas State Cross‑Country Championships next month, a first for El Paso in two decades.

Sanchez highlighted the sense of unity fostered by the state meet: “We all pushed each other, and that camaraderie showed in our finish.” The team celebrated with a post‑race dinner at the El Paso High gym, where students and staff alike celebrated the culmination of months of hard training.

Individual Stories

Beyond the headline performers, the meet also spotlighted rising stars such as 16‑year‑old runner Jordan Lee from Rio Grande High, who earned 5th place in the 5 k, and senior sprinter Kelsey Martinez from Canyon High, who clocked a personal best of 9:14.2 in the 1 k. Truax’s performance drew comparisons to fellow district runners, including 15‑year‑old Noah Patel from Alamo High, who finished 11th. The event showcased the district’s depth of talent, with five athletes breaking the 17:30 mark.

Looking Forward

With the State Meet behind them, the focus now shifts to the Texas State Cross‑Country Championships scheduled for November 12. El Paso’s senior squad is expected to bring their momentum to the next level, while freshman newcomers will be aiming to break into the state’s top 30. Coach Navarro expressed confidence, stating, “We’re in a great position. The boys have the experience from this meet and the work ethic to win.”

Truax himself was humbled by the outcome, acknowledging the support of his family and teammates. “I couldn’t have done it alone,” he said. “I’m proud to represent El Paso and to help our team reach this milestone.”

Additional Context

The original El Paso Times article provides further context on the district’s cross‑country history, detailing past appearances in the UIL State Meet and highlighting alumni who have advanced to collegiate programs. The article also includes links to the official UIL cross‑country rulebook, the Texas Association of Private and Independent Schools (TAPIS) cross‑country results, and the El Paso High athletics page where readers can find additional race photos, full team standings, and a profile on Andrew Truax’s athletic background.

Readers interested in the broader landscape of Texas high‑school cross‑country can explore the UIL’s official competition archives, which offer race footage, heat sheets, and detailed statistics for each participating school. These resources give a comprehensive view of the competitive field, the scoring system, and the significance of each placement.

Conclusion

Andrew Truax’s 12th‑place finish at the UIL State Cross‑Country Meet stands as a testament to his dedication and the strength of El Paso High School’s program. With a historic team finish and a promising outlook for the Texas State Championships, the school’s cross‑country team has set the bar high for the remainder of the high‑school season. The achievements highlighted in the El Paso Times coverage underscore a season of hard work, community pride, and a bright future for the athletes involved.