By Moses Leos III

During her tenure as a coach at Dahlstrom Middle School, Traci Hightower always knew Gabby Bosquez’s raw ability and work ethic made her an athlete to beat at a track meet.

Several years later, Hightower, who is now the head cross country coach at Hays High, helped guide Bosquez to last weekend’s UIL Class 6A girls state cross country meet.

(photo by Moses leos III)

For Hightower, watching Bosquez progress to state in only her first year in cross country was a matter o...