By Kyle Roberts
Both of Ruston High’s cross country varsity squads took first place Thursday evening at the 2023 North Louisiana Championships at Lincoln Parish Park with the boys scoring 23 points overall and the girls scoring 33 points and both earning District 2-5A championships.
“I am really happy with the results,” Ruston cross country head coach Dustin Cochran said. “At the end of the year during championship season, we are running for place, first and foremost. We came away with two team championships. We were able to beat all of our district teams when it mattered plus some of the others from around north Louisiana. It was a lot of fun watching everyone compete. We’re really looking forward to going out there next week and really really bringing our best effort.
“We will dial up the intensity and focus this next week and be ready to go as a team.”
The Bearcats had all five scoring finishes in the top nine, with 11 boys in the top 25 overall in the meet.
“I think it speaks volumes about the type of work they’ve been putting in,” Cochran said. “They’re in this together and I am very glad that’s happening above anything else.”
Leading the way were senior Thomas Rogers (15 minutes, 25 seconds) and sophomore Taylor Roller (16:04) finishing first and second, respectively. Senior Landon Byrd took fifth at 16:27, while sophomore Joshua Daulton finished sixth at 16:45.
Rounding out scoring for Ruston was senior Liam Lowe at 16:57.
On the girls side, Lady Bearcat junior Parker Nations finished second at 19:46. Senior Zoie Holstead ran 20:59 for sixth, while sophomore Hallie Hebert ran 21:13 for seventh. Freshman Emmersyn Nations took twelfth at 22:34, while freshman Aydan Murry finished 26th at 23:57.
“I really hope the girls are happy with themselves,” Cochran said. “A few weeks ago we were wondering if we would make the state meet. The response from them hasn’t been perfect, but I’ve really liked how they’ve still found a way to get it done this year and win a district championship even being so short handed. I think overcoming some adversity and still succeeding even when it’s not exactly how you envisioned it goes a long way and helps build a lot of character.
