Spring Branch ISD Featured News

 

Celebrating the Season: As the 2025 cross country season comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to look back and celebrate the incredible dedication, teamwork, and school spirit shown by our SBISD athletes. From early-morning runs to championship finishes, these teams exemplified what it means to compete with heart and represent their schools with pride. 

 

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For Head Boys Track & Cross Country Coach CJ Fowler at Stratford High School (SHS), the 2025 season was built on grit, consistency, and raising more than just split times.

“Our strength this year was the grittiness,” said Fowler. “We can get them up at any time, whether it’s early mornings, weekends, or whenever it takes to get the work done. These kids just work. When you have runners who constantly want to get better, it allows your team to grow and deliver performances others may never see.”

Creating a winning environment

This season, Stratford focused on culture just as much as conditioning.

“We’re working to build an environment that encourages better behavior, better grades, and maturing into adulthood along with great performances,” the coach explained. “When everybody carries the same goal, it lets the environment breathe success.”

To support that, the program emphasizedthe details: showing up every day, doing little things right, and learning healthy habits. A nutritionist helps teach hydration and proper fueling. All of those pieces are part of their blueprint.

“Coach Parmley’s influence goes far beyond the track. His hands-on coaching style and genuine care help shape not only great runners, but strong, resilient young people," said Fowler.

Goals for the season

The team’s objective was clear and unapologetic: to dominate.

“Our goal will always be to sweep the district championships,” the coach said. “We show up, work hard every day, and do everything the right way. From eating well to recovering properly and staying disciplined, if we execute on all fronts, we’ll bring that district banner home.”

Runners to watch

Stratford returned a strong core of leaders who bring their best every time:

• Owen Dugan – The team captain; he leads by example in the classroom, the halls, and on the course.

• Eunice Altintis and Elijah Roberts – Among the hardest workers in the program. When there’s volunteer work, prep, or behind-the-scenes tasks, these athletes are there and making sure things run smooth.

“These guys don’t just show up — they carry the standard,” the coach said.

Leadership and outlook

While leadership is shared across the roster, Owen Dugan stands out as the team’s guiding presence and natural captain.

“He leads by how he moves. Whether in class, between doors, or running laps he embodies what we expect from all of them,” said Fowler.

Looking ahead, the program is proud of how far the team has already come. After returning without a state qualifier last year, this group has bought into the plan and is prepared to stay competitive at the highest levels.

“These kids have worked hard to put themselves in position for a championship,” said Fowler. “I believe we’re going to continue to go far.”

For schedules, results, and more on SBISD cross country, visit the SBISD Athletics website.