After making school history and winning a district champion- ship last year, the cross country teams are running to live up to a legacy of excellence.

After alum Cassius Serf-Roberts led the boys cross country team to their championship last year, breaking several school records. This year’s team is fortunate to have several returning runners who were part of that team this year to build on their past success.

The cross country team had already participated in three meets.The team had strong results at the Pflugerville invitational, with multiple athletes hitting their personal records.

Although members of the boys’ team are confident in their abilities they are aware of the new challenges they will face this year. One of the biggest changes centers around the new group of teams Akins is competing against this year after the University Interscholastic League realigned districts last year. The new grouping adds Westlake and Lake Travis to Akins’ list of opponents. Both schools are known for strong athletic programs across the board.

“We are in a new district with Travis, Hays, Lehman, and now Del Valle,” coach Francisco Flores said.

Head Cross Country Coach Juan Rodriguez said he wants to see more girls participate in the sport.

“The girls are a part of our program do well, there’s just not enough of them,” Rodriguez said.

Junior Matthew Quiroz said he has been working on strengthening their endurance. He said that he believes they are going to do better than last year, when cross country won district. This year, they hope to raise the bar and win at regionals.