Boys XC Preseason Countdown #22: Michael Abeyta


#22

Athlete: MICHAEL ABEYTA

Year: Sophomore, Class of 2020

School: El Paso Hanks High School

Analysis:  Abeyta aka, Mr. Where did he come from is no longer a secret. When a freshman comes from West Texas, it takes a while for most to know that runner is the real deal. Abeyta made people in El Paso aware of it from day one. Running 16 low and 15 high to mid is what most would consider a strong senior year, but doing it as a freshman is just how impressive of an athlete Abeyta is. He finished at the UIL 5A state meet with a 15:33.97 to earn his sixth place finish on the awards stand. He followed that up by measuring himself up with the best in the south at the NXN South Regional and he came away with a 15:50.16 for 22nd place. 

Some distance runners call it quits or only run a couple of meets in the spring. However, Abeyta showed that he is as impressive in track as he is in the fall on the courses. He cranked out some fast times that show he could really make a big jump to the upper echelon this cross season. Abeyta went 52.12, 1:59.67, 4:17.29, and 9:33.08. In the end, he walked away with a UIL 5A state 1600m title and two big time finishes in the mile and 3200m at the Great Southwest Classic.


Related Links:

Girls Preseason Individual Rankings                                   

Girls Preseason Indiv Rankings #25: Ayse Allison