Aledo girls cross country team will race at UIL state meet led by strong freshmen class
When the Aledo girls cross country team steps foot at Old Settler’s Park in Round Rock on Saturday, seven Ladycats will run at the UIL Class 5A state meet with four being freshmen.
Aledo coach Mike Pinkerton could see the potential from when they were in middle school.
“They are unbelievably gifted and when you combine that with their tremendous work ethic, you get some very special runners. These girls know what it takes to succeed and they put in the work daily,” he said.
Molly Garrison, Sofia Brandenburg, Elizabeth Griffin and Sadie Williams will attempt to do what few have done, hit the podium and possibly even win a state championship in their first year in high school.
Senior Sidney Tillotson and juniors Aubrey Connally and Emily Lewis join the Ladycats in their quest for a team title as well. Aledo placed fourth at the regional meet to qualify.
“They push each other and they encourage each other,” Pinkerton said. “I couldn’t wait to get them in high school. It’s a tremendous group of runners, girls and boys. These young athletes have an unbelievable work ethic, and their hard work not only yields great results, but also transfers to the rest of the team.
“The competitive nature of our practices helps benefit everyone. All of our runners are setting the precedence for the future, and these freshmen have a very bright future.”
Garrison moved over this summer from Illinois.
She finished second at the regional meet.
“I am so glad to have these girls. They are my best friends and make coming to practice everyday so much fun,” Garrison said. “It’s insane how special this group is and I’m so excited to see everyone develop through the four years we have together.”
Meanwhile, Brandenburg finished 11th followed by Griffin (13), Tillotson (41), Connally (65), Williams (105) and Lewis (111). Garrison, Brandenburg and Griffin went 1-2-3 at the district meet two weeks ago.
The Ladycats were district champs.
“Our freshmen bond is definitely special and like no other. They are my best friends both in the sport and in everyday life,” Brandenburg said. “It’s crazy. To have such a strong freshmen class is very exciting. We’re pumped to have more fast freshmen next year too.”
Sophomore Jack Fink will be the only Aledo boy to race at state. He finished 13th at regional and first at district. The boys team came up just short at regional with a fifth place finish.
Fink also ran at state last season as a freshman.
“Jack is also a very gifted runner,” Pinkerton said. “He has been improving all year and he will be ready.”
The 5A girls race will start at 10 a.m. with the boys at 10:40 a.m.
