Location: Blue Heron State Park, Moses Lake, WA
Date: 10.30.19
Overall Girls: Congratulations! You earned your spot on the roster for the State Meet for the fifth year in a row and, once again, won the District Championships (with a very impressive 21 points; Trout Lake second with 55; Manson third with 76). Six of you in the top 10. That’s really a statement! And, on the JV side, we saw some awesome end-of-season racing, too! I know it can be hard to race fast when it feels like you are mostly alone or racing just one other person. But, you did your job and now on to the last challenge of the season — the State Meet. You’ll each (every single one of you) have a role to play in what is shaping up to be a good race for the title between us, Pope John Paul II and Northwest Christian Lacey. We’ll start talking about that next week. For now, savor the good vibes of being on a team of dedicated, tough, and powerful young women. Promise yourself you’ll enjoy your taper and every minute of the State journey. You all (whether you are among the 7 running or the 5 supporting) have earned this honor to go and show what Lion Pride looks like.
Varsity Race: 46 finishers. 6 complete teams.
Gretta: 1st place. 20:01. First mile: 6:13 Overall pace: 6:27
Gutsy. It’s hard to lead from wire to wire for two weeks in a row. But, you are one tough senior and you led your team well. Ignore the time and focus on the fact that you held it together mentally even when it didn’t feel all smooth and easy. I know from the past, you bounce back big from races that didn’t feel totally satisfying and you’ll be ready to go big at State. One more time in the green and glitter.
Jori: 2nd place. 20:14. First mile: 6:23 Overall pace: 6:31
Congrats on a very nice PR—especially impressive since you ran that thing pretty much alone. That speaks a lot to your focus and your willingness to keep the pedal to the metal. Your splits were nice and even, just like last year at this race, but this year about 25 seconds faster! This bodes so well for next week. Keep loving the taper, even let a little pent up energy grow and you’ll be knocking on that under 20 door for sure.
Liv: 3rd place. 20:58. First mile: 6:27 Overall pace: 6:45
Such a great example of racing. You got challenged there in the middle and you responded first by not panicking and just sticking with the girls who came up on you. You were patient and you found your moment on the hill section and you just opened too much of a gap for them to respond. It was strategic and smart and executed perfectly. Especially impressive since it probably felt a bit unexpected. You showed nerves of steel. Yes!
Keeley: 7th place. 21:43. First mile: 6:28 Overall pace: 6:59
You wanted to try going out a bit harder and I’m glad you took that challenge on. I think we learned that you prefer to feel like you are moving up on people rather than having people move up on you. Good to know and we’ll adjust for State. You’ve got everything you need — strong legs, endurance-filled lungs, just the right mix of training—to have that big race you want. Now just find a way to relax into it.
Stella: 8th place. 21:58. First mile: 6:54 Overall pace: 7:04
A total signature Stella race. Out solidly and then at about the half way point you just start putting the hammer down. And, that kick! What a beautiful thing that is! It’s going to be such a great point scorer for us at State.
Lindsay: 10th place. 22:21. First mile: 6:54 Overall pace: 7:12
That must have felt so good! After the first 100 meters, you totally got out after it and that set you up for a great race. Your form held throughout the race — a testament to your strength and that upperclassman accumulation of running miles. That good form left you free to focus on catching people and you just kept doing that until you found yourself in the top 10 at districts. Wow!
Lena: 23rd place. 23:34. First mile: 7:05 Overall pace: 7:35
Sometimes when the dress rehearsal doesn’t go as we want, we rise and the actual performance is better than ever. This one just didn’t click and that’s ok. We know you can and have raced this season with more focus and purpose. Just remember how good it feels to be in that race zone and make sure you do what you need to do to be ready to get there next Saturday. You’ve got a PR in those legs, for sure.
JUNIOR VARSITY: Combined with Boys. 11 Female finishers.
Kierra: 1st place. 22:01. First mile: 7:07 Overall pace: 7:05
So great to see you calm and relaxed and willing to go out there and run for you. You’ve got plenty of speed in those legs and you really changed gears on that 3rd lap. Hope you got a taste for the idea that fast can be fun. Thanks for sticking with it and giving a strong effort.
Ayeanna: 2nd place. 23:29. First mile: 7:13 Overall pace: 7:33
Such a powerful race. You just looked like you were in the groove from the first quarter mile on and your legs were just eating up that hill each time. That race felt like your body making a statement - you can be a varsity racer if you want to be. I can’t wait to see what you bring to your junior year season. I predict big things!
Payten: 3rd place. 23:54. First mile: 7:15 Overall pace: 7:42
A super solid bounce back from last week’s race. You seemed more relaxed and fluid. I hope this season has helped you see yourself as not just a runner, but a racer. You have many different gears and, though you may not always want to admit it, you also have a competitive streak in you. Embrace that even more boldly next year and you’ll see those PRs all the time!
Annika: 4th place. 24:17. First mile: 7:25 Overall pace: 7:49
I know you had high hopes for this race and your legs just didn’t feel like they had the go in them you wanted. You’ve been juggling a lot this season between dance, school, and running and I think you just never got a chance to rest and feel the positive focus that you needed. That’s all right — it’s part of the learning process and every runner I know has gone through times like this. The key is to keep believing and making the adjustments to you need so that you can have the breakthrough I know you are capable of. Time and time again, I’ve seen it come together in a runner’s senior year.
Lydia: 9th place. 30:36. First mile: 8:40 Overall pace: 9:51
I wish I had words to explain just how much grit you showed today. You hit a rough patch at the mile and 9 weeks ago that would have been it. But, you have grown to know that you just needed a few minutes to re-group and gather yourself and then keep going. And that’s what you did. You display commitment and perseverance and you have so so so much to be proud of this season. You better be back next year!
Overall Girls: Congratulations! You earned your spot on the roster for the State Meet for the fifth year in a row and, once again, won the District Championships (with a very impressive 21 points; Trout Lake second with 55; Manson third with 76). Six of you in the top 10. That’s really a statement! And, on the JV side, we saw some awesome end-of-season racing, too! I know it can be hard to race fast when it feels like you are mostly alone or racing just one other person. But, you did your job and now on to the last challenge of the season — the State Meet. You’ll each (every single one of you) have a role to play in what is shaping up to be a good race for the title between us, Pope John Paul II and Northwest Christian Lacey. We’ll start talking about that next week. For now, savor the good vibes of being on a team of dedicated, tough, and powerful young women. Promise yourself you’ll enjoy your taper and every minute of the State journey. You all (whether you are among the 7 running or the 5 supporting) have earned this honor to go and show what Lion Pride looks like.
Varsity Race: 46 finishers. 6 complete teams.
Gretta: 1st place. 20:01. First mile: 6:13 Overall pace: 6:27
Gutsy. It’s hard to lead from wire to wire for two weeks in a row. But, you are one tough senior and you led your team well. Ignore the time and focus on the fact that you held it together mentally even when it didn’t feel all smooth and easy. I know from the past, you bounce back big from races that didn’t feel totally satisfying and you’ll be ready to go big at State. One more time in the green and glitter.
Jori: 2nd place. 20:14. First mile: 6:23 Overall pace: 6:31
Congrats on a very nice PR—especially impressive since you ran that thing pretty much alone. That speaks a lot to your focus and your willingness to keep the pedal to the metal. Your splits were nice and even, just like last year at this race, but this year about 25 seconds faster! This bodes so well for next week. Keep loving the taper, even let a little pent up energy grow and you’ll be knocking on that under 20 door for sure.
Liv: 3rd place. 20:58. First mile: 6:27 Overall pace: 6:45
Such a great example of racing. You got challenged there in the middle and you responded first by not panicking and just sticking with the girls who came up on you. You were patient and you found your moment on the hill section and you just opened too much of a gap for them to respond. It was strategic and smart and executed perfectly. Especially impressive since it probably felt a bit unexpected. You showed nerves of steel. Yes!
Keeley: 7th place. 21:43. First mile: 6:28 Overall pace: 6:59
You wanted to try going out a bit harder and I’m glad you took that challenge on. I think we learned that you prefer to feel like you are moving up on people rather than having people move up on you. Good to know and we’ll adjust for State. You’ve got everything you need — strong legs, endurance-filled lungs, just the right mix of training—to have that big race you want. Now just find a way to relax into it.
Stella: 8th place. 21:58. First mile: 6:54 Overall pace: 7:04
A total signature Stella race. Out solidly and then at about the half way point you just start putting the hammer down. And, that kick! What a beautiful thing that is! It’s going to be such a great point scorer for us at State.
Lindsay: 10th place. 22:21. First mile: 6:54 Overall pace: 7:12
That must have felt so good! After the first 100 meters, you totally got out after it and that set you up for a great race. Your form held throughout the race — a testament to your strength and that upperclassman accumulation of running miles. That good form left you free to focus on catching people and you just kept doing that until you found yourself in the top 10 at districts. Wow!
Lena: 23rd place. 23:34. First mile: 7:05 Overall pace: 7:35
Sometimes when the dress rehearsal doesn’t go as we want, we rise and the actual performance is better than ever. This one just didn’t click and that’s ok. We know you can and have raced this season with more focus and purpose. Just remember how good it feels to be in that race zone and make sure you do what you need to do to be ready to get there next Saturday. You’ve got a PR in those legs, for sure.
JUNIOR VARSITY: Combined with Boys. 11 Female finishers.
Kierra: 1st place. 22:01. First mile: 7:07 Overall pace: 7:05
So great to see you calm and relaxed and willing to go out there and run for you. You’ve got plenty of speed in those legs and you really changed gears on that 3rd lap. Hope you got a taste for the idea that fast can be fun. Thanks for sticking with it and giving a strong effort.
Ayeanna: 2nd place. 23:29. First mile: 7:13 Overall pace: 7:33
Such a powerful race. You just looked like you were in the groove from the first quarter mile on and your legs were just eating up that hill each time. That race felt like your body making a statement - you can be a varsity racer if you want to be. I can’t wait to see what you bring to your junior year season. I predict big things!
Payten: 3rd place. 23:54. First mile: 7:15 Overall pace: 7:42
A super solid bounce back from last week’s race. You seemed more relaxed and fluid. I hope this season has helped you see yourself as not just a runner, but a racer. You have many different gears and, though you may not always want to admit it, you also have a competitive streak in you. Embrace that even more boldly next year and you’ll see those PRs all the time!
Annika: 4th place. 24:17. First mile: 7:25 Overall pace: 7:49
I know you had high hopes for this race and your legs just didn’t feel like they had the go in them you wanted. You’ve been juggling a lot this season between dance, school, and running and I think you just never got a chance to rest and feel the positive focus that you needed. That’s all right — it’s part of the learning process and every runner I know has gone through times like this. The key is to keep believing and making the adjustments to you need so that you can have the breakthrough I know you are capable of. Time and time again, I’ve seen it come together in a runner’s senior year.
Lydia: 9th place. 30:36. First mile: 8:40 Overall pace: 9:51
I wish I had words to explain just how much grit you showed today. You hit a rough patch at the mile and 9 weeks ago that would have been it. But, you have grown to know that you just needed a few minutes to re-group and gather yourself and then keep going. And that’s what you did. You display commitment and perseverance and you have so so so much to be proud of this season. You better be back next year!
VARSITY BOYS - 88 runners. 12 teams. 3rd place, 66 points. Trout Lake 2nd w/ 65, Manson 1st w/ 44, Brewster 4th w/ 88. All four teams onto state!
Travis: 7th place, 17:09. First mIle: Overall pace: 5:31
Another great race for position and you led an awesome trio at the end of this race – cementing that 10th straight state appearance in convincing fashion! Perfect position early and you battled so well throughout that entire race. Take the same approach next weekend and your strength in the hills will give you a nice advantage in that final stretch to the finish.
Ian: 8th place, 17:25, First mile: Overall pace: 5:36
So smooth and solid again, and just plain awesome to see you and Travis and Isaiah across the line as the best top 3 in the race! No question that we are primed to improve upon our 10th place finish at last year’s State meet, and the unity of this top three will set the bar for just how high that can be. Hoping that another week of taper and sharpening will have your season-tested legs in their best shape yet. Pretty sure you are ready to pop one at State!
Isaiah: 9th place, 17:25, First mile: Overall pace: 5:36
Awesome again Isaiah – with a new PR and a real push to Ian at the end. Once again you rallied from a little rough patch mid-race, but you have an impressive ability to find that other gear and to move through the middle of the race. Stay a little tighter to Ian and Travis early next week and you guys will be a force to be reckoned with at State! PS Sweet kick!!!
Graham: 18th place, 17:52, First mile: Overall pace: 5:45
Don’t be down on this race at all Graham. You have been incredibly tough and consistent – from the first race of the season right up through today. And your presence today, just behind Brewster #2 and ahead of everyone else is a huge factor in this team’s continued success. Really great having you on the team and its been awesome to see how well you’ve taken to the 5k XC distance. Excited to watch you run at State!
Jackson: 30th place, 18:30, First mile: Overall pace: 5:57
So impressive Jackson, and just an amazing first varsity race of the year! Excellent job getting out early and into the mix, plus you could not have run a tougher and grittier second half. You and this whole freshman crew have really set a high bar this year. Its awesome to have you out and I can’t wait to see what the next few years will bring. And congrats as well on solidifying your spot to run at your first-ever state XC championships next weekend!
Tristan: 40th place, 18:55, First mile: Overall pace: 6:05
Another big race and you have officially earned you way to State J Congrats, Tristan, on an outstanding freshman season. One race and one major side-stitch aside, you have been remarkably consistent in your race all year long. Great job today in following Oliver early and in pushing for all that you had left in those final 400m. A similar plan at State should will be an excellent plan for this inaugural freshman year performance. Can’t wait to watch you guys run again in ten short days!
Oliver: 42nd place, 18:57, First mile: Overall pace: 6:06
Thank you Oliver, for putting yourself and Tristan and Jackson right where you needed to be. You were not conservative in that initial mile… but that was just what we needed to be in the right spot of this race. It was excellent, and it mattered a lot! Yes, Jackson and Tristan had a little more gas at the end, but you set the tone early and made a huge difference for this team. Congrats as well on your first sub-19 5k, and we can’t wait to see you running again next weekend in Pasco!
JV BOYS – 25 total runners.
Kieren: 1st place, 19:13, First mile: Overall pace: 6:11
SUCH an impressive finish. Literally no words! You looked into it and ready from the start. You launched right into the top 5 of the race and you just looked better, and more intent, and stronger as the race went on. At some point I knew you were gunning for a top 3 finish.. and then you unplugged (as they say) and let ‘er rip. So sweet to see that speed unleashed! Congrats on the incredible 1:15 second PR and the JV win!. Well deserved and fun to watch J
Carter: 5th place, 19:29, First mile: Overall pace: 6:16
Very nice job Carter. I know that it's not quite the result that you imagined, but you put yourself out there, took it to task early and made everyone else work for it. A hard-fought race start to finish, and it will be great to have you as a highly capable alternate when we head down to Pasco next Friday and Saturday. A really great freshman season overall, and I can’t wait to get you back next year 100% healthy again and ready to rip. Enjoy the experience at State. Learn a few things about how it all works and be ready to rumble in the fall of 2020!
Eli: 9th place, 20:04, First mile: Overall pace: 6:28
Congrats Eli, on a new PR for the second year running at Moses Lake, and great to see you moving a little easier each and every week. In similar fashion, you were faster each and every race this season. If not for the mid-season back injury, you’d be following right in Kieren’s wake and knocking down times in the low 19’s. Another year of strength plus a little summer running and your junior season should be full of breakthrough performances!
Kellen: 11th place, 20:26, First mile: Overall pace: 6:35
Superlative are running short Kellen, but congrats on another great and incredibly tough race at Districts! You locked on again right from the start, kept Eli close, and found a group of runners to race. So impressed with your all-around determination and for someone who seemed to dread the 5k (twice the distance) race idea at the season’s start, you have done an admirable job of setting aside the pain and racing start to finish. Congrats on an excellent first year of HS XC and I really hope that you will be back again for more in your sophomore year!