Grace XC Builds the Future and Dominates the Present

October 13, 2025 – The Grace Community Cross Country program put its full depth and strength on display last week, from the youngest emerging runners to the varsity athletes leading the charge. With over 120 athletes in the program from grades 3 through 12, the Cougars are building something special, and the results are already being seen at every level.

Before the high school teams laced up for the Brook Hill Warrior Run, the week began with a celebration of growth and commitment from the elementary run clubs. The 3rd/4th grade group, now in its third year under the steady leadership of Coach Andi Goetz, continues to grow in size and enthusiasm. The 5th/6th grade run club, guided by Coach Nicholas Hawkins and Coach Kristen Burdette, brought energy and structure to each session. Both groups trained for four weeks, incorporating sprint work, hills, fartlek runs, and pacing techniques. Their final race days, featuring a half-mile race for elementary and a full 1600m for the older group, capped off the season with excitement, smiles, and clear signs of progress.

Combined, the run clubs included over 70 athletes, many of whom are already showing signs of the grit and determination that define the Grace program. High school athletes were hands-on in coaching and race-day support, mentoring younger runners and serving as role models both on and off the course. Their leadership has been key to building not just a program, but a legacy.

That legacy was on full display at Saturday’s Brook Hill Warrior Run, where both the boys and girls high school teams turned in dominant performances on a challenging and hilly course.

The girls team opened the morning with a powerful statement. Junior Emma Goetz led from start to finish, claiming first place, with her younger sister Casey right behind her in second. Addison Mathews wasn’t far behind, placing fourth overall. MJ Hanson and Aragon Tanner rounded out the top five with strong finishes in eighth and fourteenth, sealing the team victory. Rebecca Dai and Cora Castle pushed hard to place 16th and 20th, giving Grace the distinction of having all seven runners finish in the top 20.

Not to be outdone, the boys team took to the course with championship-level focus. Roe Gaddis fought through discomfort to place third overall, with Chris Alexander finishing just behind in fifth and Clayton Bock powering through to a seventh-place finish and another consistent performance. Freshman Asher Wickliffe continued his rise with a 13th-place finish, followed by Dylan Small in 15th and Clive Johnson in 17th. Ethan Foreman rounded out the top seven, finishing 28th to help secure a dominant team showing.

With their final regular-season meet behind them, the Cougars now set their sights on the TAPPS 5A State Championships, scheduled for October 27 in Waco. As the team enters its final training block, the focus remains steady, not just on racing success, but on representing Christ with excellence, effort, and integrity.

Grace Cross Country asks for continued prayers as athletes pursue health, balance, and clarity of purpose, competing always for the Audience of One.