Mesquite Poteet boys in the running for Class 4A title

For the 16th time in 19 years, the Mesquite Poteet boys team is participating in the UIL state cross country meet.

Poteet placed third in 4A last season and has several runners back, including sophomores Jorge Ziesk (24th), Elias Murillo (34th) and Andy Ortiz (50th).

After winning the Region II meet Saturday in Arlington with 49 points, Poteet is poised to make another run. Ortiz finished ninth (16:06), Ziesk was 12th (16:15) and Murillo took 14th (16:19).

A newcomer, Jake Zinn, posted Poteet's top time at the regional with 15:47, good for sixth place.

Poteet, ranked No. 2 in the state poll by the Cross Country Coaches Association of Texas, expects a fierce battle for the 4A state title with defending champion Big Spring and top-ranked Seven Lakes, Poteet coach Doug Robinson said.

A major part of Poteet's strategy will be to stick together. At the Region II meet, Poteet's first five runners were separated by a mere 37 seconds.

Robinson said he is excited to see how his young but state-seasoned team responds to its upcoming challenge.

"We're just telling them to go out there and that we have nothing to lose," Robinson said.

"Once you run with the big dogs, you can't stay on the porch like a puppy."

BOYS RUNNERS TO WATCH

McKinney North senior Ganter primed for best finish at state

For McKinney North senior Stephanie Ganter, now or never arrives Saturday.

Her path to Round Rock to compete in the state meet is loaded with magnificent feats. Ganter won the Region II championship last week in Arlington and the 9-4A district title in late October. She has been in the top five in virtually every meet this season and earned major victories at the Marcus I and II invitationals.

She finished sixth at the 2006 state meet and is determined to have an even better finish this time around.

"At this point really, you can't physically do much," Ganter said. "That came from the summer workouts, and throughout the season you're building up for this moment physically.

"This week, we're just focusing on being mentally prepared. Whoever shows up mentally prepared on Saturday is going to probably be the best."

Ganter forged her way to favorite status for state by posting the top time among region winners at 11:17.10, more than five seconds ahead of Region I winner Ashley Mason of Hereford (11:22.98).

But Ganter said she didn't come this far for the right to simply be called a region champion. Her goal is much more significant.

"It was great, but now I'm focused on state and the bigger picture," Ganter said. "So it's showing up on Saturday, knowing my race strategy, knowing what I'm going to do focusing on me and not any of the runners there. Just running my race and getting there."

GIRLS RUNNERS TO WATCH

SCHEDULE

Saturday at Old Settlers Park, Round Rock:

5A girls, 10 a.m.; 5A boys, 10:20 a.m.; 1A girls, 10:50 a.m.; 1A boys, 11:10 a.m.; 2A girls, 11:40 a.m.; 2A boys, noon; 3A girls , 12:30 p.m.; 3A boys , 12:50 p.m.; 4A girls, 1:20 p.m.; 4A boys, 1:40 p.m.