What happened: The MCA Boys Cross Country placed 2nd as a team at the TAPPS State Cross Country Championships on Oct. 27 in Waco. The girls’ squad claimed 5th place, while freshman James Clark finished 6th overall and freshman Austin Cook took 9th among the boys; on the girls’ side, freshman Kate DeShan finished 6th individually.

The big picture: The Knights’ boys team has steadily built momentum this season and now stand among the top performing schools in Class 4A: Coram Deo, Temple Christian, and John Paul II. Their 2nd-place result marks the highest finish for the program since the jump to 4A. Meanwhile, the girls team’s 5th-place showing depth and growing competitiveness at the state level. With a blend of young talent and strong leadership, both squads reflect a program on the rise in Midland.

Having hovered just outside the podium in recent years, the boys broke through this year. The girls moved upward through district and regional meets, showing consistent improvement in times and team scoring. Their state finish confirms that the Knights are now serious contenders rather than hopeful participants.

Go deeper: On the boys side, Clark’s 6th-place finish and Cook’s 9th-place effort provided the anchor the team needed. Their individual top-10 results helped set the pace for the team’s 87-point total, trailing only the champion, Coram Deo. The team’s other scorers delivered strong runs too, building an effect that pressured competitors throughout the race.

For the girls, DeShan’s 6th-place finish stood out as a clear highlight and earned all-state recognition. The team’s composite score of 193 points earned the 5th spot. The blend of freshman impact plus upper-class leadership gave the Knights a balanced attack under challenging conditions.

  • Women’s 2 Mile: Kate Deshan (All State) – 13.15; Faye McMillian – 15:07; Suzanna Pinson – 15:19; Laylan Bundy – 15:36; Daniela Perez – 15:38; Sarah Gould (PR) – 16:48; Eden Cates (PR) – 16:58
  • Men’s 5,000 Meter: James Clark (All State) – 18:03; Austin Cook (All State) – 18:13; Locke Bundy – 19:04; Cade Greathouse – 19:12; James Cooper – 19:59; Josh Wiggins – 20:31; Fox Tyner – 26:16