During a recent government meeting, two standout athletes from Burleson Centennial High School were recognized for their achievements in cross country. Charlotte Vrinberg, a sophomore, and Ella McGowan Magayan, a senior, both qualified for the UIL State Cross Country Championship, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication.

Charlotte Vrinberg, a two-year letterman, has made significant strides in her running career, finishing in the top 10 in five races this season. Her standout performance at the regional meet held at Texas Tech University in Lubbock earned her a spot at the state competition, where she finished 23rd overall. Despite the team narrowly missing the state qualification, Charlotte's individual success highlighted her potential for future competitions.

Ella McGowan Magayan, a four-time letterman and team captain, has established herself as a formidable competitor in the sport. She has won four individual races and is a back-to-back district champion. Ella's impressive performance at the Region 1 championships, where she secured a bronze medal, also qualified her for the state meet. Notably, she set a new record for the Centennial cross country 5K, completing the race in 17 minutes and 59 seconds, breaking a record that had stood since 2015. Ella holds four of the top five times recorded at CHS and has received multiple scholarship offers from universities, although she has yet to make a decision regarding her future.

Both athletes have represented Burleson Centennial and their district with pride, and Ella is set to compete at the Nike Cross Regionals in The Woodlands in the coming weeks, with hopes of qualifying for the national championships in Eugene, Oregon. Their achievements not only reflect their hard work but also inspire future generations of athletes in their community.