StM News

The St. Martin’s varsity cross country teams traveled to Hammond on Thursday, November 5, to compete in the LHSAA Division 5, Region 3 Championships, hosted by Christ Episcopal School. With sunny skies, cool temperatures, and perfect running conditions, the Saints rose to the occasion, turning in an incredible performance and securing their place at the State Championships!

Both the girls’ and boys’ teams qualified for the LHSAA Division 5 State Championships, to be held Monday, November 17, in Natchitoches.

Girls Capture Regional Championship

The Saints girls’ team claimed the Regional Championship title, finishing first overall and edging Highland Baptist by just two points. Four runners placed in the top ten:

• Juliet Whitaker ’26 – 4th place (20:45.30)

• Olive Diaz ’30 – 5th place (20:55.40)

• Nia Norton ’26 – 6th place

• Elba Molina ’27 – 8th place (22:18.30)

All four earned medals for their performances, while Maddie Westacott ’26 rounded out the scoring five with an 11th-place finish. Elba Molina and Olive Diaz each achieved personal best times, and Devyn McManus ’27 placed 18th despite feeling under the weather.

Boys Earn Runner-Up Honors

The Saints boys’ team finished second overall, bringing home another trophy for the gym display case and showing great promise for the future.

• Omar Hijazi ’30 – 4th place (17:44.70)

• Ben Thompson ’28 – 9th place (18:44.30)

• Nils Valencia ’30 – 12th place (19:41.00)

• Karim Hijazi ’30 – 21st place (21:05.50)

• Barrett Boad ’29 – 29th place (21:58.30)

• Charles Tucker ’30 – 30th place

Omar and Ben both medaled for top-10 finishes, and every runner on the boys’ team achieved a lifetime personal best.

Congratulations to the team and coaches on their outstanding effort, teamwork, and resilience. The Girls’ State Championship race will begin at 9:45 a.m., and the Boys’ race at 12:00 noon, on Monday, November 17, in Natchitoches.