ROUND ROCK, Texas — The UIL State Cross Country Meet will take place at Old Settler's Park in Round Rock on Friday, October 31, with Cooke County well-represented among the state's elite distance runners. Both Muenster High School and Valley View High School qualified athletes and teams for the championship event. Muenster ISD's cross country program earned its spot at state after strong performances at the regional meet held October 21 at Harold Patterson Sports Complex in Arlington. The Hornets' cross country success adds to an already impressive athletic year for the school, which won the 2A Division II football state championship last season and currently competes as the defending champions. Valley View will also send multiple athletes to Round Rock, continuing the school's tradition of excellence in distance running. The Eagles' qualification represents the culmination of months of training and competition throughout the fall season. The state meet will be broadcast live on the NFHS Network across both days of competition, allowing family, friends, and community members unable to attend in person to watch the races. The two-day championship format features different classifications competing on Friday, October 31, and Saturday, November 1. Cooke County runners will join the state's top cross country athletes at one of Texas high school sports' most prestigious events. The 5-kilometer course at Old Settler's Park has hosted the UIL championships for years and is known for its challenging terrain and competitive atmosphere. The qualification of multiple county schools demonstrates the strength of cross country programs throughout the region. Success at the regional level requires consistent training, strong coaching, and competitive performances throughout the district and area meets leading up to the state championship. Local cross country teams have built reputations for developing talented distance runners who compete successfully at both the UIL level and in college programs. The state meet provides these athletes with experience competing against Texas's best runners and represents a significant achievement in their high school athletic careers. Community members are encouraged to follow the live broadcasts or check results online as Cooke County's cross country runners compete for state honors. The meet begins Friday morning with races scheduled throughout the day based on classification and gender divisions.