Soaring Eagles Cross Country Invitational

Second Baptist School hosted 600 runners on the Second Baptist Church West campus on September 24, for its annual Soaring Eagle Cross Country Invitational. For the Eagles cross country runners, the journey to the TAPPS state championships on October 31, had commenced. Head coach Dr. Chris Hobbs shared that the runners have made vast improvements this season, “demonstrating the type of persistence in training that is referenced in the New Testament when Paul challenges us to ‘run with endurance the race set before us.’ in Hebrews 12:1.” Persistence leads to excellence, and the cross country team is proof of that. 

Excellence was exemplified by the SBS Eagles with CJ Hobbs ‘23 claiming first place, Lauren Baker ‘24 and Sara Griffin ‘26 earning top-10 medals, and Carson Ford ‘26 and Owen Osowski ‘26 both setting new personal records.

“With this being my senior year, I set goals to break all the school records I set last year,” said CJ Hobbs. “Along with my performance, I want to instill a passion for cross country in the underclassmen, so the program will continue to thrive beyond my graduation.” 

Indeed, CJ Hobbs has maintained the success of his all-state junior campaign by medaling three times this season, including two first place medals. CJ recently picked up his first college offer from Dallas Baptist University and is actively being recruited by Arkansas State, University of Memphis, Campbell University and Oklahoma Baptist. 

Freshman Sara Griffin has burst onto the scene, gathering three top-10 medals in her first varsity season and setting three personal records in four weeks. 

“It feels amazing to start the season so strongly!” exclaimed Sara Griffin ‘26, “I prepare for meets by showing up for practice every day and putting in the work my coach tells me will help me get better, and I always do my best.”

Lauren Baker ‘24, the 2020 state champion runner-up, has returned to the course after a challenging 2021 season. Lauren has returned to form, competing twice and medaling twice.

“I can definitely say that the two races I ran have far exceeded my expectations,” shared Lauren Baker. “It feels great to perform well at Second Baptist School’s home meet and to represent my school and God.”

It’s that heart for God and commitment to excellence and perseverance that allows our students to rise to the next level.

“Our SBS community should be proud of how committed this cross country team is to training and representing our school. These athletes are as tough as they come, relentlessly consistent, and I anticipate the improvement will continue to be obvious,” emphasized Head Coach Dr. Chris Hobbs.
 
While winning is the objective in any competition, medaling is not the priority of our Eagles cross country team. It’s running the race with perseverance and running to finish it well.