After leaving Class 5A in dominant fashion with a pair of top-five finishes at state by the Ladycats (third) and Bearcats (fourth), Aledo now moves into Class 6A with high expectations.
Last season was the best overall season in program history. Both teams reached state for a third straight year, with the Ladycats finishing second in 2023 and third in 2024, while the Bearcats had their best season ever in 2025.
"Both of our teams should be strong once again. We also have some strong runners currently on JV," head coach Mike Pinkerton said. "Everyone will be improving over the next several months, and the competition for varsity spots will be very competitive.
"After a great start to the season at the Kennedale meet, I am looking forward to a very exciting season," Pinkerton said.
The lone Ladycat back from last season is senior Mayden Mitchell. Meanwhile, the Bearcats are loaded with returning talent, starting with senior Tyler Connelly. He placed third in the state last season individually.
Also back for the Bearcats are senior Noah Lay; juniors Thatcher Pettit, Reed Murray and Andrew Walsh; and sophomores Jonah Clary, Maddox Murry, Brody Bruno and Holt Huxel.
Newcomers who could make an impact for the girls include sophomore Holland Gladchuk, who began her varsity career by winning the Kennedale Invitational recently (as did Connelly for the boys), along with freshmen Austyn Wiatrek and Isabel Rush. Freshman Noah Baker could make some noise among the boys.
Aledo will compete in District 3-6A with Weatherford, Granbury, and Arlington schools Martin, Bowie, Lamar, Sam Houston and Arlington High.
"Although the district will be tough, we will do what we normally do to prepare for regionals," Pinkerton said, noting their region includes 6A powers Southlake and Flower Mound, among others.
He does expect the Aledo tradition to once again inspire his runners.
"As always, we are going to be at our best come 'Championship Season' (district and beyond)," Pinkerton said. "Our runners know what is in front of them and will be prepared.
"Once again we have a strong pre-district schedule, so we will see most of the region ahead of time," he said.
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