By Moses Leos III

Nerves were high for Hays High junior Esmi Fuentes prior to the 2014 UIL 6A Region II cross country meet Saturday at Lynn Creek Park in Grand Prairie.  

Hours of dedication during the summer led her to this point. She also knew the challenge she faced: going up against the state’s best on an unfamiliar course. 

With encouragement and experience guiding her, Fuentes crossed the line in 10th place, qualifying for the UIL state cross country meet. 

It marks the second straight year Fuentes advanced to state. Last season saw Fuentes compete in the 2013 UIL 4A girls state cross country meet, finishing with a time of 19:49, which was good for 41st of out 100 runners. 

“It means a lot [to make it to state again],” Fuentes said. “I wouldn’t be able to do without [Hays head cross country coach Traci Hightower] or my parents pushing me along the way.” 

Fuentes finished with a time of 18:36, missing her best time of 2014 by three seconds. She completed the 14-6A district meet with a time of 18:33. 

With a top 10 finish in her pocket, Fuentes sets her sights on the UIL 6A state cross country meet at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock on Saturday. 

Fuentes hopes to better that mark in 2014. 

“My goals for state is to get into the top 30, set a (personal record) and finish the season great,” Fuentes said. 

But getting to state wasn’t an easy road for Fuentes, who adjusted to the higher level of competition of 6A running. 

One change was the faster pace at the 6A level. Going up against many talented runners from Houston area schools was also a challenge. In addition, Fuentes battled against many local talents, including Rouse High runner Maddie Boreman, who claimed the Region II championship. 

It was something she and Hightower discussed on their way to the race in Grand Prairie. 

“We talked on our way to the meet that it’s going to be different, the way the meet is going [to be structured] is different,” Fuentes said. “But it’s a challenge that you have to deal with, a challenge God gives you and you have to accept it.” 

The course itself was different for Fuentes, who grew accustomed 4A Region IV competition and courses over the past two years.

But Fuentes battled, using experiences forged in previous regional meets and in 6A competitions to guide her. 

For Fuentes, her progress at the McNeil Invitational earlier this season was a barometer for her success.  Fuentes claimed third place overall at the McNeil meet, finishing with a time of 18:55. It was an improvement over her 2013 mark of 19:48. 

“I feel confident that I’m going to do better, knowing I’m going up against the toughest opponents in the state,” she said. 

Now Fuentes prepares for her second straight trip to state. It’s vindication for Fuentes, who put in the hours for the chance to reach this point once again. 

“It felt great to make my parents proud, and that all of the work I’ve done paid off,” she said.