The torch has officially been passed—from Cole Hoffman to Marcos Vallejo, the two best middle-distance runners in Llano school history.

Hoffman had a super career which ended just last May, but Vallejo, a freshman, is on a three-mile road to eclipsing Hoffman’s excellent achievements.

Marcos was a sensational third in the state cross country meet, November 15. His time was 15 minutes, 58.47 seconds—55 seconds better than Cole’s career-best-at-state in 2006.

(Stephen Curry of the runners’ factory in Argyle claimed the Gold Medal Saturday, but he beat the Yellow Jacket by only eight seconds.)

Let’s not run away from the second half of the boys’ tandem in Llano.

Junior Erik Forrister blazed his own trail in a clocking of 16 minutes, 39.45 seconds, a “mere” 44 seconds faster than his effort at state a year ago.

“Both guys ran great all season,” head coach Dan Hughes said, “and they ran their best today, and that’s what you always hope for.”

“I was leading after two miles,” the happy Bronze Medalist, Vallejo, told reporters, “and I was right up there with about a quarter mile to go, but the others had more of a kick than I did. I tried, but I didn’t have a whole lot left.” He had plenty for the entire journey and outran some 107 competitors.

Tomilee Loyd of Andrews raced by Marcos with about 25 meters left to win silver, but Fred Cordero of Clint, the youngster who edged the Jackets’ speedster for the gold in the Region I meet, Saturday, November 8 in Lubbock, was almost a half minute behind Marcos at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock.

Vallejo ended his brief news conference with this comment to remember: “I’m pleased with my freshman year, but by the time I’m a senior, I’ll be way faster.”

Forrister, as gutty and game as any Llano athlete, wound up 15th, which won him All-State honors. As has happened several times this season, Erik had to battle his way into the open spots to gain ground.

His determination and look during the final 20 meters were downright scary — for a young man who also plays the piano and trumpet.

“I tried to finish well; I certainly didn’t want anyone to pass me,” Forrister advised the media, in the midst of a crowd of people and trees, which served as the “press tent.”

“I feel great about the whole year,” Erik declared. “It was a wonderful experience for me. My dream is for several guys to join Marcos and me next year at state. That would be awesome.” Llano did not make it as a team out of district.

“Those two guys push each other in practice,” Hughes pointed out, “and they make their teammate better; each has been a big part of the success of the other.”

The coach was asked, “How good can Marcos become?” The answer: “As good as he wants to be ... it’s up to him.”