LUBBOCK, Texas — Rain and muddy course conditions added another challenge for the Pecos Eagles on Monday, Oct. 26, but the varsity boys cross country team pushed through to earn an eighth-place finish at the UIL Region I-4A Cross Country Championships at Mae Simmons Park in Lubbock.
Competing against some of the top Class 4A runners in the region, Pecos finished with 263 team points, closing out a successful postseason run that began with a third-place finish at the district championships.
Junior Ronaldo Zaleta led the Eagles, finishing 29th overall with a time of 17:12.5 on the 5,000-meter course. Junior Jayden Hernandez followed in 52nd place at 17:50.5, while senior Jaiden Juarez finished 58th with a time of 17:57.8.
Junior Cody Saldana crossed the finish line in 66th place at 18:07.5, and sophomore Aiden Barragan rounded out the team's five scoring runners with a 92nd-place finish in 18:39.2. The five Eagles finished within 1 minute and 27 seconds of one another, demonstrating the team's ability to compete together despite difficult racing conditions.
Junior Abdiel Ruvalcaba and freshman Judah Mouser completed the seven-member regional team, finishing 133rd and 176th, respectively.
Pecos Eagles individual results
Student-Athlete | Place | Time |
|---|---|---|
Ronaldo Zaleta (11th) | 29th | 17:12.5 |
Jayden Hernandez (11th) | 52nd | 17:50.5 |
Jaiden Juarez (12th) | 58th | 17:57.8 |
Cody Saldana (11th) | 66th | 18:07.5 |
Aiden Barragan (10th) | 92nd | 18:39.2 |
Abdiel Ruvalcaba (11th) | 133rd | 19:52.5 |
Judah Mouser (9th) | 176th | 22:47.9 |
The regional championships marked the conclusion of a season built on consistent training, teamwork and determination. After earning their opportunity to compete at the regional level, the Eagles faced one final test as wet weather and muddy terrain challenged runners throughout the course.
Their eighth-place finish reflects the collective efforts of seven student-athletes who represented Pecos High School with pride, including a senior, five juniors and sophomores, and a freshman gaining valuable postseason experience.
Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD Athletics congratulates the Eagles and their coaches on their accomplishments throughout the 2026 cross country season. Their performance at the regional championships serves as another example of the commitment and competitive spirit of Pecos student-athletes. #EarnTheRight