The Caddo Magnet Mustangs were well represented on July Fourth at the largest collection of distance runners in North Louisiana. At least ten Mustangs joined over 1,900 runners who started their holiday at Sportspectrum's Firecracker 5K.
MileSplit LA caught up with the Stang Gang, who represented Magnet High School well in their gold XC T-shirts. The main thing we wanted to know is what are the Mustangs looking forward to as they head into the 2024 season.
"I'm very excited about this new season of cross country and to get started with track," Micalee Wrightson said.
Wrightson, who started running cross country during her sophomore season, said that her participation in the program has made a significant difference in her life.
"It's been life-changing," Wrightson said. "It's taught me motivation and determination. It's definitely taught me to be a more dedicated person."
Senior Noel Strange is looking forward to his senior season as well. What is he looking forward to the most?
"It's got to be competing with these guys one more time," Strange said.
But being a student-athlete at Caddo Magnet is more than just athletics. When he goes to college, he is going to miss the camaraderie on Viking Drive.
"You know, just being able to lean on people for help in any circumstance," Strange said.
Senior Zachary Kirkendoll wants this senior group to leave a legacy.
"Just to build a family before we leave, you know," Kirkendoll said. "It's our last year. We want to build something strong. Let the future generations, you know, keep that Magnet spirit," Kirkendoll said.
"It's such an amazing team," senior Carsyn Grigsby said. "There is such camaraderie amongst us. It drives us to be better. We want to compete against each other and build each other up like that."
The Mustangs will be looking to improve on a pair of fourth place finishes at the Division 2 Region 1 XC Meet.
At the LHSAA State Cross Country Championships, the Caddo Magnet boys team finished ninth and the girls finished tenth.
On the girls' side, all five top finishers (Bryn Wilhelm, Krysten Thompson, Catherine McElroy, Wrightson, Vennela Malireddy) at state return.
For the boys, they lose their No. 1 runner from a year ago--Lee Ballard (finished No. 11), but No. 2 runner Jack Pattillo (No. 37) had an excellent finish at the end of his sophomore season and looks to take a step in the leadership role during his junior campaign.