McNeil High School held the largest cross-country invitational in Texas on September 21-22 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. The 30th annual McNeil Invitational featured over 400 teams and nearly 6,300 runners competing on a challenging course.
“This prestigious event brings together some of the top high school cross country athletes from across Texas,” said Round Rock ISD Athletic Director Jeff Cheatham. “The McNeil Invitational has a tradition of excellence, providing a competitive environment for teams and individual runners alike.”
McNeil Girls’ Head Cross Country and Track Coach Austin Wooten said the location was a big draw for runners, noting that Old Settlers Park has traditionally hosted the University Interscholastic League (UIL) State Cross Country Championships.
“We work closely with UIL and the City of Round Rock’s Parks and Recreation Department to make sure our course is exactly the same as the state course,” he said.
The week leading up to the event involved extensive preparations.
“We worked from 8 to 5 every day setting up the park—flagging, fencing, and marking the course,” said Wooten.
Volunteers also played a crucial role in the event’s success. McNeil runner Peyton Trost praised the support they received from fellow athletes and community members.
“Soccer ran the concession stand, basketball players helped direct people on the course, and our athletic trainers worked alongside Ascension Dell Children’s volunteers to care for injured runners. We had a lot of help,” she said.
The junior said she’s proud to have had a hand in such a massive event, and hopes to see her team go far this season.
“This was our hardest race of the year, and I think we did really well. I think we’ve got a good chance at going to regionals again,” she said.
Wooten echoed her sentiments.
“I feel really good about where our team is at. We’re in a really tough District, but our girls can hold their own. They’ve worked really hard to get where they’re at, and I think they’re going to do well,” he said.
