Cougars Cross Country Posts Time Trial PRs as District and State Meets Approach

October 12, 2026 – Grace Community School’s cross country team has improved across the board heading into the postseason, with every athlete running faster in the season’s second time trial and several setting personal records.

The Cougars held their first time trial Aug. 8 and their second Sept. 29. Almost all of the athletes ran two miles. The team tracks progress through average race placement and time trials, typically one in late summer, one at midseason and a voluntary one after the State meet.

“Progression is not always linear,” said Andrew Plentl, head coach for cross country. “Since every course is different, times are not always the best indicator of performance or fitness gains unless you return to the same course multiple times.” Plentl said the team has focused on “not defining ourselves by what we do, but by who calls us His,” while still celebrating physical progress.

Ayden Serrato won the Sept. 29 time trial, breaking the 11-minute barrier for the first time with a 10:58. Asher Wickliffe and Isaac Jenks ran side by side to finish in 11:33, a personal best for Jenks. Dylan Small ran 11:55, breaking 12 minutes for the first time.

Among other notable performances:

• Addie Mathews, a long hurdler, ran 5:58, breaking the six-minute mile for the first time in high school.
• Aragon Tanner set a lifetime best of 13:10.
• Rebecca Dai ran a personal-best 13:13, more than two minutes faster than at this point last year.
• Ethan Foreman ran 12:19, three minutes faster than a year ago.
• Sadie Velten set a personal best of 14:32.
• Titus Bearden ran two miles in September at the same pace he ran one mile in August.

The Cougars compete for District titles Saturday, Oct. 17, with both the boys and girls teams in contention. State follows nine days later on Oct. 26. Last year, the girls placed second at State and the boys placed sixth.

“Every athlete has improved over the last month, with several recording lifetime bests and others making significant gains compared to this time last year,” Plentl said. “Our job is to continue showing up, preparing well, and faithfully using the gifts He has given us.”

Plentl also recognized three seniors for their contributions beyond race results.

Truett Roseman, a sprinter who does not run for the boys cross country team, has regularly trained with the group. Plentl said Roseman has led the boys spiritually, offered encouragement and helped hold teammates accountable, citing Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” “His influence on this team goes well beyond the laps he runs,” Plentl said.

Ashley Sepulveda has served as the team’s manager and encourager, riding a bike alongside runners during workouts. “Ashley might not wear a jersey on meet day, but I cannot imagine either team being where it is today without the involvement and encouragement she provides day after day,” Plentl said.

Emma Goetz was named the September Greater Texas Ford Dealers Female Athlete of the Month. The announcement is posted on Greater Texas Ford Dealers’ social media pages.

Plentl asked the Grace community to keep the athletes in its prayers as illness spreads and distractions mount, particularly for health, focus and perseverance as the season winds down.