Princeton’s Marian Valdez ran a personal best time of 20:19.4 at the Kaufman Run with the Lions meet on Friday. Photo by David Wolman / C&S Media

By David Wolman

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For the second week in a row, the Farmersville and Princeton cross country teams competed in the same meet.

Although the Fightin’ Farmers and Panthers competed in different divisions at the Kaufman Run with the Lions meet Friday morning, both programs made their mark with plenty of success.

Princeton put forth a solid team performance in the varsity girls 5A-6A race.

Senior Marian Valdez led the way for the Lady Panthers in Kaufman, capturing 13^th place with a personal best time of 20:19.4. Her sister, Samantha, also clocked a PR, finishing 16^th overall in a time of 20:34.35.

Senior Evelyn Escamilla finished just outside the top 20, placing 22^nd with a 20:57.9. Freshman Malia Dargel took 37^th in 22:12.27. Junior Jillian McCarthy finished in 41^st place with a time of 22:23.32. Freshman Itzel Ramirez-Millan took 43^rd in 22:32.46. 

Their efforts helped lead Princeton to fourth place in the girls’ standings with 127 team points. Justin Northwest won the team title with 76 points. Wylie was second with 91, and Midlothian placed third with 112.

“Our girls delivered an impressive performance this week,” said Princeton head coach Tanya McCormack. “The Valdez sisters each ran a personal best, something we haven’t seen from them since their sophomore year, and they are looking stronger than ever.” 

Princeton captured 13^th place in the boys’ division, with the Panthers totaling 342 team points. Midlothian Heritage, with 44 points, won the team title. Wylie finished in second place with 60 points. Justin Northwest, with 87, captured third place.

Sophomore Eli Fisher posted the top time for the Princeton boys, finishing in 17:56.11, good for 49^th place. Josue Silva, also a sophomore, took 64^th in 18:23.24. Sophomore Stephen Talley was 77^th in 18:53.22. Freshman Luke Bailey ran to 92^nd place in a time of 19:27.36 and junior Tristan Fillingham placed 117^th in 21:21.29. 

“Our boys team may be young, but they are already showing tremendous promise,” McCormack said. “With just one senior leading a roster dominated by ninth and 10^th graders, the group is gaining experience quickly.”

Read the full story in the August 27th edition. Stay informed — subscribe to The Princeton Herald.