PLANO — The Bishop Lynch cross country teams opened the 2026 season Saturday at the Plano ISD Invitational at Hoblitzelle Park, officially kicking off the 2026-27 athletic year for the Friars. Competing primarily against UIL 5A and 6A schools, Bishop Lynch used the season opener as its first opportunity to test its young teams against a competitive field.

The Friars were led by seniors Harman Pope and Lauren Robert, who paced their respective teams in the opening meet. Pope finished 14th out of 78 runners on the men's side, while Robert placed 15th out of 59 runners in the women's race. As a team, the women finished seventh, while the men placed eighth.

Pope's performance gives the Friars an early look at what they hope will be another strong senior season for the distance standout. After competing at the TAPPS 6A State Championship last season, Pope returns as one of the most experienced runners on the Bishop Lynch roster and will be counted on to lead the men's team throughout the fall.

"It felt refreshing to be back on the grass with the team, and earning a medal this year helped prove to me that I've improved from a year ago," Pope said.

Robert also brings valuable experience to the women's team after competing at last season's state meet. Her 15th-place finish Saturday led a Bishop Lynch group that returns much of its state championship experience from last season.

"Starting the season with a top-15 finish gave me a lot of confidence," Robert said. "It was a great way to see our work over the summer paying off. We're really motivated to see what we can do for the rest of the season."

With the opening meet now in the books, the Friars will have several opportunities throughout the fall to continue improving their times and to close the gap on some of the state's top programs. The season will build toward the TAPPS 6A State Championship, where Bishop Lynch will look to finish the year on a strong note.

FULL RESULTS:

For full team and individual results, click here.

NEXT UP:
Bishop Lynch will look to build on its season-opening performance when the Friars compete at the Woodhouse Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 15, in Waxahachie. The meet will be held at Lakeview Camp, with the first race beginning at 7 a.m.

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