Junior Emily Jones qualified for the state cross-country meet for the third time on Oct. 24.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have another chance to try and place better than I did last year,” Jones said. “I’m also very proud of myself for being able to push through the challenges I faced this year and for not giving up.”

Jones finished with a time of 19:16 at the Regional cross-country meet, and she hopes to have a great run at the state meet.

“One goal for this meet is to place somewhere in the top 30,” Jones said. “I also just want to have fun and push myself to go faster than I have been running throughout this past season.”

The cross-country team is led by Coach Edward De La Cruz.

“[Jones’] work says that if you’re consistent and work, you can reach your potential,” said De La Cruz. “She has fun and does what she is supposed to do and doesn’t think about the race.”

The state meet will be held on Nov. 4 at Settler’s Park in Round Rock.

“I have preparing for the state meet by making sure I’m properly fueling and hydrating,” Jones said. “I’m making sure I push myself on my workouts, keep a positive mindset, and just have fun.”