At Hollis, cross country has become a point of pride, with both the boys and girls programs establishing themselves as consistent contenders at the state level. The boys team is coming off a sixth-place finish at state, extending a three-year run of top-six performances that underscores the standard within the program. Head coach Tyler Bates, now in his third year at the school, will again rely on a blend of experienced returners and new faces to keep Hollis near the top of Class A.
Leading the way are veterans Graydon Whorton and Wyatt Brill, whose impact has gone far beyond times and places. They have served as steady leaders over multiple seasons, helping guide Hollis to its string of strong state showings and setting the expectation for work on and off the course. Fellow returner Michael Zybach adds more continuity from last year’s state lineup. Around them, the Tigers welcome four new additions to the team in senior Elijah Bethel, sophomore Hayden Wood and incoming freshmen Zane Molina and James Brill. Hollis also looks to the continued development of returning sophomores Mason Brill, Levi Morris, Danny Pantoja and Easton Olguin to strengthen the pack and bolster the team’s depth. The goal is clear: keep Hollis boys cross country firmly in the mix among the state’s best.
The girls program has built an impressive track record of its own, with nine consecutive years of qualifying at the state level either as a team or with individual runners. Head coach Reagan Hightower, entering her tenth year at the school, will guide a group that blends a proven senior with a wave of talented young athletes. Senior Anna Pendergraft is a three-time state qualifier in cross country and also a state qualifier in the two-mile run in track, giving Hollis a seasoned leader who has steadily cut her times and set a high standard for work ethic and character.
Behind Anna, rising runners such as Marisol Duran, Paisley Adams and Imani Luna bring strong junior high résumés and a drive to excel at the high school level. Marisol and Paisley have already shown they can thrive in long-distance events, while Imani’s competitive nature and leadership help elevate those around her. Together, this young core and their senior leader position Hollis girls cross country to continue its tradition of state-level success and push for another season that ends with runners competing among the best in Oklahoma.
