Belton’s 16-5A District Champions Cross Country team is preparing for another hopeful season

July 3, 2025

By: Aries Ramos

The Belton Journal

The Belton Tigers Cross Country program is back in motion this summer as athletes from all sports, including cross country, participate in the school-wide summer workout sessions.

With early-morning workouts scheduled throughout June and July, runners are laying the groundwork for what they hope will be another standout fall season.

Last year was one to remember for the Tigers and Lady Tigers. The Varsity Girls team made headlines by capturing the 16-5A District Championship, finishing with a dominant 40 points.

Leading the charge once again was senior Olivia Brillhart, who capped off a remarkable four-year run by qualifying for the UIL 5A State Championship meet for the fourth consecutive year. She placed 26th overall out of 148 runners with a time of 19:10, a fitting end to a stellar high school career.

On the boys’ side, the Varsity team earned District Runner-Up honors and also advanced to the Region II meet at Lynn Creek Park, hosted by the University of Texas at Arlington.

Their consistency throughout the season helped them earn postseason recognition and valuable experience for returning runners.

The junior varsity squads also made an impact, with the JV Girls claiming a first-place finish at district and the JV Boys earning fourth overall.

Across all levels, Belton’s distance runners showcased growth, grit, and determination.

As summer workouts ramp up, the cross country team is taking full advantage of the high school training block from 7 to 9 a.m., part of Belton’s summer strength and conditioning program for all athletes.

The focus for returners now shifts to building endurance, staying injury-free, and preparing mentally for another competitive season in the always-tough 5A classification.

With a mix of returning talent and promising underclassmen, the Tigers and Lady Tigers are looking to carry

last year’s momentum into the 2025 season.