SAN MARCOS, Texas — Facing the largest and most competitive field of runners they have seen all season, the Temple High Varsity Girls Cross Country team put together a gritty, highly impressive performance on Friday morning at the Hays ISD Cross Country Invitational, hosted at the 5 Mile Dam Soccer Complex.
Navigating a massive grid of top-tier talent from across Central and South Texas, the Tem-Cats held their ground against elite competition, showcasing depth and determination across the 5,000-meter course.

Leading the charge for Temple was sophomore Azaria Staples, who delivered a standout effort by cracking the top 25 overall. Staples surged through the crowded field to secure a 21st-place individual finish with a stellar time of 19:36.00, pacing the squad and establishing herself among the meet’s top elite competitors.

Sophomore Bella Sahm provided a powerful 1-2 punch for Temple, clocking a strong 20:39.00 to finish 71st overall. Senior Sterling Griffith added vital veteran leadership, crossing the line at 22:27.00 (153rd), while junior Ilana Desales followed closely behind with a solid 23:13.00 performance (176th).

Rounding out the varsity pack effort for Temple were sophomore Madelyn Krumnow (178th, 23:16.00) and freshman Kennedy Taft (186th, 23:36.00), completing a complete team effort against some of the region's top programs.

Top Overall Individual Performers

At the top of the leaderboards, San Antonio Churchill set the pace with an outstanding 1-2 individual finish:
Mia Kellogg (SO, San Antonio Churchill) – 18:05.00
Kallie Van Prooyen (JR, San Antonio Churchill) – 18:09.00
Rebecca Bezerra (JR, Boerne Champion) – 18:24.00
Sophia Simpson (JR, McAllen) – 18:37.00
Emery Wilson (JR, Dripping Springs) – 18:43.00

Temple High Complete Individual Results

Azaria Staples (SO) — 19:36.00 (Place: 21)
Bella Sahm (SO) — 20:39.00 (Place: 71)
Sterling Griffith (SR) — 22:27.00 (Place: 153)
Ilana Desales (JR) — 23:13.00 (Place: 176)
Madelyn Krumnow (SO) — 23:16.00 (Place: 178)
Kennedy Taft (FR) — 23:36.00 (Place: 186)

Up Next:

The Tem-Cats will look to carry their momentum into next week when they travel to Salado for the Salado Ten-Roc Ranch Invitational. The meet will take place at the Ten-Roc Ranch in Salado on Thursday, September 10, with action slated to begin early at 7:30 a.m.