(This story was updated to accurately reflect the most current information.)
The Class 3A boys 5K produced some of the best drama of the Region IV Cross Country Championships at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi’s Dugan Stadium on Tuesday.
Hebbronville’s Gary Custer, who was unbeaten in competition this season, entered the chute alongside San Diego’s Joey Barrera and Lytle’s Johnny Rey Alvarez.
The Hebbronville senior seemed to have a leg up in the final 10 meters, but Barrera overtook him in his final strides to win the regional crown by less than one second. Barrera would clock 16:29.53 while Cuter crossed in 16:30.38.
While it was the third straight state qualification for Custer, Barrera made it for the first time, finally catching his nemesis after the two had run in several of the same meets all season.
“Gary is an amazing runner and he has pushed me to my limits and today I wanted it. I wanted to go after that. I was chasing Gary the whole time. We battled and battled and I pulled through,” Barrera said. “Coming into the chute, I was third and I knew I had to go. I was right there. ‘I can take this.’ ”