Gonzales XC runs through Region, headed to State 

The Gonzales High School cross-country program is once again making its mark at the state level, with three runners qualifying for the UIL State Cross Country Meet following standout performances at the Region IV-4A Championships on Monday, Oct. 21. 

Freshman Ellie Mae Lester, sophomore Homero Ruiz, and senior Ckristofer Ramos each earned individual state-qualifying finishes as the Apache boys’ team placed fifth overall and the girls’ team finished seventh in a highly competitive regional field. 

Head Coach Dana Sestek said the trio’s success reflects years of dedication and teamwork. 

“I’m so excited for them,” Sestek said. “They’ve worked hard to accomplish this goal. Our upperclassmen have been in cross country since seventh grade and understand the expectations of hard work and teamwork. They’ve led by example, and the younger runners have followed that lead.” 

Sestek said the program’s structure—where high school and junior high runners often train together—has helped build consistency and culture. 

“We practice with the junior high daily,” she said. “So when those students move up, they already know what’s expected of them.” 

As the team shifts focus toward the state meet, Sestek said preparation now centers on fine-tuning and mental readiness. 

“Physically they’re ready,” she said. “In the next week, we’ll focus on speed, rhythm, and recovery—making sure they have fresh legs on race day. But the biggest thing is the mental side of competing in another big race.” 

Assistant Coach Haley Garza, a member of the last Gonzales team to reach state in 2017, said the moment carries special meaning. 

“Watching these students achieve this milestone is deeply meaningful—it feels like passing on the touch of success,” Garza said. “During college, I knew I wanted to come back home and help build this program. At state, everyone is talented, so mental toughness will be the difference. Stay focused, trust your training, and embrace the moment.” 

For the athletes, reaching state marks both a personal milestone and a team accomplishment. 

Lester, who finished fifth overall, said she’s proud to achieve her goal as a freshman. 

“I’m really excited,” she said. “I wanted to make it to state this year and hopefully again all three years after this. Our team is proud because no one qualified last year, so having three of us go this year feels really good.” 

Ruiz, who set a personal record at regionals, said his motivation came from faith, family, and friendship. 

“It feels great—I knew I could do it,” he said. “During my run, I was thinking about God and my family’s motivational words, and my coach’s encouragement was in my thoughts. I hit a PR and now I get to run alongside my best friend, Ckris Ramos, at state.” 

For Ramos, a senior and team leader, qualifying for state in his final season is the perfect way to finish his high school career. 

“I just want to get out there and compete—it’s exciting going to state,” he said. “I wouldn’t want to go without my teammate Homero. I’m proud of him for getting there too. Seeing younger runners like Ellie and Riley work hard makes me proud to leave the program in good hands.” 

Athletic Director Lyndon Hamilton said the team’s progress reflects the strong culture that coaches and athletes have built. 

“Coach Sestek and our program continue to get better each and every week,” Hamilton said. “There’s been a ton of buy-in from our kids and our community. It’s really neat to see so many families out there supporting them. They had a great showing at regionals, and I can’t wait to see what Ellie, CK, and Homero will do at state.” 

The trio will represent Gonzales at the UIL State Cross Country Meet on Saturday, Nov. 1, in Round Rock, carrying forward a season defined by teamwork, growth, and Apache pride.