Grapevine runner, teammates set on improving state finish

The Grapevine boys cross country team finished in a highly impressive third place at the state meet last year, but they still feel there’s more to improve upon.

Matt Melcher and his fellow runners are putting in the miles already to be ready to try and match their female counterparts and bring home another state championship.

“We’re committing ourselves to working hard so we don’t have to worry about what’s ahead,” Melcher, a senior, said. “November 12th is the state meet and we’re excited to work hard every day, and we’re counting down the days.”

The fact Melcher already had the date of the state meet on the top of his head speaks to the goal in mind for the Mustangs.

“We count the days, but it’s more important to make the days count,” he said.

With just two other senior runners, Kyle Eberline and Charlie Hickman, Grapevine will plug in younger runners to the mix and take another shot at a higher-than-third finish.

Most programs would be elated for a medal at the state meet, but head coach Rick Miller has the Grapevine cross country mindset of a perennial power.

“The boys team is going to be really, really good,” Miller said. “Every year is dynamic and they create a new personality. But the goal is the same – to be on the line competing for a state championship.”

Miller acknowledged that he expects the sophomores to step up along with other seniors to round out a competitive top-five contingent.

Last year, it was a few meets into the season when Melcher and his teammates knew they could be state contenders.

“As the season developed, we knew we were one of the most competitive teams in the state of Texas,” Melcher said. “We were a little frustrated with third. We had our eyes set on first place and thought we could do something pretty awesome. We thought we were one of the best in Texas and we raced and trained every day like that was the case.”

Melcher said the Mustangs runners have been getting together on their own since June 23 and helping push each other to log the mileage. He said the time with the younger runners should help pay off to rack up points as a team.

Melcher, who has been running since the seventh grade in competitive environments, is devoted to help bring others along and take advantage of the experience he’s gained.

“We lost four seniors, but we have guys that can fill those guys’ places,” Melcher said.

The group will average five to seven miles each day, heading out early to beat the summer heat.

After cross country, Melcher will run in the track season, competing in the 800m and 1600m events.

But he prefers cross country because he views it as more of a team sport.

“Track and cross country are the greatest combination in sports there is,” Melcher said.

Not only does Melcher think the Mustangs are capable of at least a top 10 finish, if not higher, but he’s working to establish his own personal best times.

He said he wants to run a sub-16 minute 5K. His best to date is 16:08, but has 15:45 as his goal.

The season officially opens for school workouts on Aug. 8. But expect the Mustangs runners to be focused on Nov. 12.

This story was originally published July 27, 2016 at 11:27 AM with the headline "Grapevine runner, teammates set on improving state finish."