All of his training had led up to that moment. With a time of 14:59 in the three-mile run, senior Jason Vincze qualified for cross country at State. The meet was held on Nov. 8 at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock. Vincze had been waiting for this race and now cannot wait for the road that lies ahead.

“I have been doing cross country since the June of 2012, the summer between my freshman and sophomore year,” Vincze said.

Vincze has practiced endlessly, running several miles at a time to practice for this meet.

“During the summer, we go hard,” Vincze said, “10 miles a day. In the winter, things are more chill. We run maybe six to eight miles. Every morning we go from the break of dawn until the work is done.”

With all of Vincze’s dedication, he may have a chance at breaking a record.

“I’m knocking on the door of a five kilometer race record set back in 2003,” Vincze said.

Vincze hoped for the best at State and wished to achieve his main goal: having a good time. “Mostly I hope to have fun,” Vincze said. “This is my last chance. I just really want to get out there, compete and succeed.”

The cross country team supported Vincze while he was in Round Rock competing. Whether they were at the meet or not, they still encouraged Vincze the whole time.

“We all backed Jason as he went on this trip,” Nazari said. “We talked to him and just really wanted him to do well. Those who weren’t able to go down to Round Rock were constantly getting updates on how he was doing.”

At the race, Vinzce succeeded, pleasing Coach Andrew Reinberg with his achievements.

“I was very proud of him considering where he has come from at the beginning of the season,” Reinberg said. “I was very pleased with his overall performance.”

Though cross country is an individual and team sport, Vincze’s endurance and perseverance amplify the support in his teammates.

“I wouldn’t want anyone other than Jason to be representing our school,” Nazari said. “He’s worked hard for this and deserves it more than anyone.

Jason’s time spent practicing for State resulted in him getting 14th place overall out of over 100 competitors.

“We focused on understanding the course,” Reinberg said. “He had to understand the layout of the course. In cross country, each course is different. He went from the Regional course, which had multiple hills, to the State course, which was wide open and empty. He had to prepare for that mentally and physically.”

The cross country team was happy for Vincze.

“Jason is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met,” senior Arman Nazari said. “He doesn’t work hard for himself, but he works to make the team better as a whole.”