Stewart earns Top 25 finish at State CC Meet

Albany senior Chance Stewart capped his high school cross country career with a 24th-place finish out of 152 runners at the UIL State Meet Saturday, Nov. 1, in Round Rock. Stewart, a three-time state qualifier, battled a fast pace and one of the tougher courses of the season to earn the Top 25 finish.

“Going into the state meet, he wanted to go out with the main group and put himself in position,” Albany coach Ryder Peacock said. “The pace was extremely fast early, about five minutes per mile, and he did a great job competing in a tough field. He continued to run well and finished strong. Overall, getting to see Chance overcome obstacles this season and come away with a Top 25 finish was fun to see.”

Stewart said he felt prepared for the course and enjoyed the experience. “I felt good going in the race. We got out faster than I was expecting, but I was pretty comfortable with the course. The time could have been better, but I’m happy with a Top 25 finish. The weather was perfect, and I’m just thankful I’ve had the opportunity to run at Round Rock three times,” he said.

The finish capped a remarkable senior season for Stewart, who was also a District Champion and a Top 10 Regional medalist. Peacock noted that Stewart showed determination all season, bouncing back from hamstring injury and illness earlier in the year to compete at the highest level.

Stewart’s performance at state rounds out a strong cross country career for Albany’s standout runner. His Top 25 finish adds to his list of accomplishments and highlights a senior season defined by perseverance, focus, and consistent effort.