Cooper senior Pedro Nasta wins the Nike South Invitational on Saturday at the Bear Branch Sports Fields in The Woodlands

The elite girls race in the Nike South Invitational on Saturday at the Bear Branch Sports Fields in The Woodlands.

The Woodlands’ Lourdes Vivas competes in the Nike South Invitational on Saturday at the Bear Branch Sports Fields in The Woodlands.

Pedro Nasta finally won the boot.

The senior from The John Cooper School on Saturday claimed the coveted cowboy boot trophy that goes to winners in the Nike South Invitational. Nasta held off hard-charging junior David Strome of Colleyville Heritage to win the elite boys 5,000-meter race in 15 minutes, 32.5 seconds at Bear Branch Sports Fields.

It was his first victory on a course he’s run countless times, and his biggest prep achievement to date.

“It’s been a dream of mine since eighth grade to get up there and grab that boot,” Nasta said. “Coming out of private school, this is probably my biggest race other than NXR.”

That Nike Cross Nationals South Regional is back here on Nov. 22. Nasta will be one of the favorites to finish in the top five and advance to the Nike Cross Nationals in Portland, Ore. click here for complete story