Ryan Fernandez and Lathan Lewter, Canyon cross country  

On the course: Fernandez and Lewter led an absolutely dominating effort on the way to the Canyon Eagles District 4-4A championship last Friday in Canyon.

The Eagles are looking for a third straight UIL Class 4A state championship and behind the duo of Fernandez and Lewter, Canyon got off to a great start to make that happen.

Canyon placed five runners in the top five scoring 15 points to control the meet. Lewter and Fernandez showed a close-knit team bond running side-by-side as the two went 1-2 to finish the race with Lewter clocking a 15.43.52 followed right by Fernandez’s 15.43.81.

Both Lewter and Fernandez had strong showings at the state meet last year with Lewter placing fourth individually overall and Fernandez taking seventh.

Head coach Wes Kirton: “Are guys have bought into supporting each other and they all want to win for one another, and they run that way. They put a lot of time into this they do. This starts in the summer and never stops. Both Lathan and Ryan are two guys that are the example of what this program is. They always want to get better and do everything to be successful. They love this sport and love to run.”

Lewter: “I’m proud of this team and it’s exciting to see us grow together. We know we can’t get better individually we can only do it together. Being a team also makes you better as an individual. We have fun when we’re out there and we just want to accomplish the goal of getting back to state and giving us a chance for another state title.”

Fernandez: “Running together is important because we all have a common goal and that’s bringing back a state championship. We all know that’s the goal and we’ll all work together to accomplish that. I feel like this team is peaking at the right and time and coming together.”