ROYAL CITY — You would think a school competing at state for the 11th straight year would be running out of talent. Not the Royal boys cross country team.

Of the seven boys who will run at the state championships at Pasco this weekend, six will be on the team next year. Only Cristian Garcia will graduate, and he’s not the lead runner.

The Royal girls, who go to state for the fourth straight year, will run Friday at 10:30 at the Sun Willows Golf Course at Pasco. The boys will run at 12 on Saturday.

Like the boys, the girls are young. Four of the top five runners at district will return next year. Also back will be sixth runner Caitlin Diaz.

The girls will be led at state by sophomore Kay Lester and freshman Elizabeth Guadarrama. Right behind them at district were junior Gracelynn Miller and senior Meghan Mianecki. Then there will be freshman Abigail Delay, junior Caitlin Diaz and senior Anahi Gomez.

How they do may depend on Lester’s health and Mianecki’s desire. Lester is a great runner, but she’s been slowed by a knee injury the last couple of weeks. Mianecki ran her best time of the year last week. Coach Ben Orth would like to see her do that again.

The boys were led at district by junior Victor Garcia and freshman Rodolfo Flores, who could develop into, the best cross country runner in school history.

“He is the real deal,” Orth said. “Although only a freshman, he runs with the composure of an athlete much older. He has a terrific work ethic and a confident mind frame during big races. As he continues to get faster down the road I hope to see him become a state placer (individually).

The Knights have another freshman with a bright future. Victor Santillan finished third for the team at district.

“He ran a tremendous race,” Orth said. “He is such a tough kid and a true competitor. What he lacks in racing experience he makes up for in guts. He passed two runners down the home stretch to place in the top eight.”

Overall, Orth has appreciation for his athletes and the privilege of working with them.

“I appreciate how they race hard for each other and the work they put in on a daily basis to get better,” he said. “We are looking forward to the state championships this weekend in Pasco.”