The Eagle girls cross country team made history by competing for the first time in the UIL Region II 5A Cross Country championship Saturday, Oct. 29, at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie, TX.

The girls varsity cross country team finished 13th overall In team standings for their first showing in school history at the meet. Leading the girls was Senior Taylor Hayes, who placed 23rd, earning her a spot in the UIL State Cross Country Championship.

Head Cross Country Coach, Michelle Womack, believed her girls team performed very well for their first time at the Regional meet and that this accomplishment sets up a bright future for the Lake Ridge Cross Country program.

“The girls ran great. A few (of the runners) were effected by the heat, but we had a great first showing at the Regional meet for our girls. I’m very proud to have watched these ladies improve throughout the season; finishing as district champs, and qualifying for regionals for the first time in school history. I believe this is a very good step for the future of out cross country program,” Womack said.

Taylor Hayes, senior, had a strong race despite the conditions not being preferable.

“The race was all over the place. We had to run at 12 noon; it was very hot. The start was very fast and I had to get out quickly to establish a good spot. I tried my best to maintain my spot throughout the race,” Hayes said.

Hayes was proud to have the chance to qualify and compete for the second time in the state championship.

“Surprisingly I qualified for State. It’s really satisfying to cap off my senviro year with my second state birth after qualifying my sophomore year,” Hayes said.

Hayes will be back in action November 13th, 2016 to compete in the UIL State Cross Country Championship at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, TX.