Senior runner Reyes Martinez is off to a fast start in his final go-around representing the Eagles, including setting a new personal record.

Martinez, a three-time state qualifier, placed sixth overall against 501 runners in the season-opening SWCCCA meet on Sept. 6 with a time of 15:35.57. He helped his team place fourth overall out of 55 teams.

His fourth-place winning time surpassed his personal previous two best marks set at the 2023 and 2024 state championships. He ran 15:52.60 in 2023 and placed 32nd, and 15:56.60 in 2024 and placed 31st.

A week later, although his time dropped, Martinez helped propel Nixa to the team title at the Ray-Pec meet. He was the team's top finisher, placing third against 73 runners at 16:12.80.

Head coach Lance Brumley values his senior leader's work ethic and expects Martinez to be back at the championships with an improved performance once again. 

"Reyes Martinez is an unbelievable worker. Martinez's training is a seven-day-a-week commitment, and that hard work is paying off. He has taken on a greater leadership role with the team this year, and we are starting to see dividends of that as well. He is a leader by example and an exemplifier of what it means to be a Nixa Eagle cross country runner. 

"Reyes brings a great attitude and work ethic to every practice. He has taken what he has learned from our previous senior classes and is helping his team improve every day, and we are excited to see him compete this season. He has competed at the state cross country meet each of the past three seasons, and he has finished higher each season. The goal is to improve on those places for this year's state meet as well as help his team earn a state bid," said head coach Lance Brumley.

Click here to view the complete SWCCCA meet results.
Click here to view the complete Ray-Pec meet results.