Sports

Competing on a two-mile, short course in Lancaster, three Ennis cross country teams each finished third in a warm-up event for eight area Cross Country teams. It was 84 degrees when the pistol was fired at 7am, soon reaching 99 with a heat index of 107.

Senior setter Autumn Cooper (12) came off the bench and delivered seven critical kills in the Lady Lions sweep of Mesquite at home last week. Sharing the position with junior Ava Dominguez has given Ennis two contributors in the opening weeks of the season.

Veteran HC Kelly Henderson made public this year’s team roster when professional photos were being taken on Monday morning. Following a 13-20-2 mark a year ago, a promising season that ended with a 1-13 skid, she has established a young lineup this year that is comprised of only five returning players.

Senior libero Lola Henry has gotten off to very inspiring start for the Ennis Lady Lions. Her steady play on the backline keeps the ball in play, often with both a dig and a pass to the setter at the same time.

Looking back is perfect vision, but looking ahead has a sense of adventure and anticipation. Here is a playbill of coming attractions on the stage at Ennis, Ferris, Palmer, Rice, Italy and Avalon.

Senior Michael Alonzo has set the pace for the Ennis Cross Country team this summer and since they reported to camp on July 27. The varsity XC boys and girls teams will kickoff the 2026 season on Friday, August 14, with the Tigers Short-Course in Lancaster.

Rather than running away from whatever is behind them, in the sport of cross country, participants chase whoever is in front. Open-air courses over natural terrain of dirt, grass and hills, high school teams compete on 5,000 meter (3.1 miles) distances.