District 5/6 Championships - 10.24.18

Liberty Bell XC - District Championships
Location: Blue Heron Park, Moses Lake, WA

Date: 10.24.18

Distance: 5k HS Course: Three + laps of Blue Heron Park. A mix of grass, leaves, packed dirt and a few tight and winding turns. One shorter, steeper uphill and a longer gradual downhill. A pretty great fall day all-in-all. Slight breeze and overcast skies. Upper 50’s for 3pm, 3:45 and 4:!5 race times.

VARSITY GIRLS
51 total finishers. Repeat District Champions with 20 points (Trout Lake was 2nd with 52 and White Swan 3rd with 100).

So awesome to see 6 full teams in our District! That growth means good things for the future of girls XC in Central Washington and you are helping to lead the charge! Once again, you all showed up ready to work. We love how you take every race seriously and you always focus on all the little details — the glitter, the skips, the warm up, the foot goals, the cheers—that matter. In general, we ran really well today — I know some of you felt better about it than others but overall, we did what we needed to do. Now you are READY for state. This season has been filled with its challenges — injuries, illnesses, etc — but WOW. We are one deep team and I hope you all are reveling in just how cool it is to be a part of such a powerful group of young women. Treasure this week. Enjoy every minute of our taper. Love hanging out with each other (and especially with our Seniors!). See the hard work and dedication in each of you and get ready to rally one more time this season. Promise yourself that you will soak in every moment at the state meet.

  

Novie: 18:28, 1st place, 5:52 first mile, 5:56 pace
You can’t get much more consistent than that. This is a relatively slow course, so you are totally ready to go BIG at state. Once again, you had to find your own race in your head and once again you mastered that challenge. I’m thinking you might have a little more company at state and that will be fun!

Icel: 20:12, 2nd place, 6:35 first mile, 6:36 pace
What a stellar senior season! You are just so tough out there and I love how you are putting yourself in a great position right from the get-go. You can go into state week feeling so good about all the hard work you’ve put in over the last 5 years, and you can just relax and enjoy it. You’ll have a few more racers nearby to keep it interesting. You’ve got one more time in the green and gold for XC ahead of you— hope you love every minute of it!

Jori: 20:40, 4th place, 6:35 first mile, 6:39 pace
Another super solid performance, Jori! Your mile splits are nice and consistent—just like we want at the end of the season—and you are racing. Hannah Wapato from Lake Roosevelt got you this week, but you’ll see her again next week and I know you’ll be flying in that last mile at state. You have all the leg strength, lung endurance, and heart you need to have a big performance at state!  

Eva: 21:22, 7th place, 6:41 first mile, 6:53 pace
An excellent bounce back race after Leagues and your foot injury. You used your arms really well, especially on some of the rolling downhills. Congratulations on medaling at the District Meet — that is quite an accomplishment! You were ahead of White Swan’s and Trout Lake’s #2 runners, which helped a lot in the team score.

Ella: 21:47, 10th place, 6:29 first mile, 7:01 pace
That took a lot of guts. You were out well and then your body just didn’t feel it. But, you kept your head in it and managed a top 10 finish as our scoring 5th runner. That says so much about your maturity as a runner and your mental tenacity. That may not have been the prettiest race you’ve ever run, or the one you felt the best about, but there was a LOT there to be proud of.

Mahali: 22:02, 11th place, 6:49 first mile, 7:05 pace

You managed your nerves so well! Even though you got pulled out faster than you like, you settled in, found your rhythm, and kept your cool. You ran an awesome 2nd lap — and I think that middle of the race is the difference-maker for you. You just hang so tough in the middle! That is going to serve you so well at the state meet where the field might be more crowded - you will have fun passing people in the second half!

Ava: 22:32, 14th place, 6:41 first mile, 7:15 pace
Let’s remember that was a huge PR over your freshman year on this course. I know it wasn’t what you wanted and you didn’t have the same smile on your face that you did last week, but that’s ok. You’ve got the state meet to bring it all back together! I think you were out a bit fast — I think just a few seconds off that blistering first mile pace and that 2nd lap would have felt so much better. I am 100% certain that you are going to be flying on Saturday!

JUNIOR VARSITY GIRLS (run in combination with the JV boys)

What a great race! You all looked sooooo good! And, it’s important to note that our scoring JV team would have qualified for the state meet had you been eligible to! Pretty impressive and well deserved after a season of hard work!

Keeley: 22:12, 1st place, 6:47 first mile, 7:09 pace
Yes! You came back after a tough League race and you just ran with confidence and poise. Wire to wire, you took the lead and kept the hammer down. Your last 800 was intense with some serious speed! Nice racing!

Lilia: 22:26, 2nd place, 6:51 first mile, 7:13 pace
After a week off with a shoulder injury, you ran with tremendous courage! I loved how you just kept racing the whole way — and you especially put in a nice surge in the second lap. You looked calm, cool, and collected and you put a really nice finishing touch on a very promising freshman season.

Lena: 22:45, 3rd place, 7:07 first mile, 7:19 pace
Congrats on not just breaking 23, but shattering it this time! You just look stronger (and happier) during every race and this was no exception. You had to do this one mostly alone and it is a good sign of your mental tenacity to just keep plugging away at it. Nice kick, too!

Lindsay: 22:58, 4th place, 7:09 first mile, 7:24 pace
Yahoo!!! That one looked so good! I will never forget watching you find two whole new gears at the finish when you realized you were going to break 23. All that hard work (and all that hard work at learning to rest, too!) paid off! I’m so happy for you. And, thank you for being such an excellent captain of the JV team at the race. You were terrific!

Annika: 23:36, 5th place, 7:17 first mile, 7:36 pace
A PR for 5K! That’s impressive, because usually this course runs quite a bit slower than Twilight and 509’er on golf courses. And, all the more impressive, is that you did it basically running all alone. You have a ton of grit and determination and it is so awesome to watch you work hard every day. We’re lucky you decided to come back out for the team!

Ayeanna: 24:03, 6th place, 7:21 first mile, 7:49 pace
Almost a one minute improvement over Twilight. That’s quite an achievement. And, this race you had to do it basically running by yourself. You have successfully made the transition to 5K and you are finding your racing style. We can’t wait to see you next year — with a season of experience you’ll be ready to rock some PR’s for sure!

Payten: 25:29, 7th place, 7:57 first mile, 8:12 pace
You looked SO good in the second half of this race and I love how you just totally let it rip in the last 400 meters. What a great end to your freshman season— I hope you are pleased! You showed patience in the first mile and then you just slowly but surely started moving up and by the last lap you were confident and really into it. Excellent!

Willa: 25:39, 8th place, 7:57 first mile, 8:15 pace
Wow! The PR season just continued! You ran more than a minute faster than you did at Twilight (another 5K) and almost 45 seconds faster than last week (which was only 3 miles). That’s so incredible and such a testament to your willingness to put in the hard work that racing 5K requires. You can do anything you set your mind to!

Anja: You started this one which took a lot of courage. And, though your shins and knees just weren’t ready for it on this particular day, we are so impressed with your work ethic and your gritty determination. We just want to say that we are so glad you came out for the team this year. You finished a 5K (your goal!) and you did everything you could to manage injury and be an awesome and supportive teammate. Now that you have this season of experience, we sure hope you’ll join us again next year! It only gets more fun!

Liv: Once again you managed the tough job of watching your teammates do the thing you want to do. And, you did it with grace! Thanks for being such a great mile split-taker, for comforting people after their races, and for really being another coach. You may not have had the season you wanted from a running standpoint, but you sure showed up as a person and as a teammate.

Gretta, Greta, and Kierra: As always, we were thinking of you and looking forward to racing with you again, hopefully next season! 

  

VARSITY BOYS
84 finishers. 90 points. Third to Mason (74) and Tonasket (81) and 10 points ahead of Brewster.

Nine years in a row! Congrats to ALL of you (JV and Varsity both) for keeping the streak alive and for stepping up to the plate in the biggest race of the year.

Emerson 16:57, 3rd place, 5:22 1st mile - 5:27 pace
Another confident and calculated race. Hanging well in the group and looking strong in the middle with lots of little moves to cover and contact to keep throughout the race. And one more sub-5:30 first mile should be good practice for State next weekend as well. We’ll talk this week about strategy etc. but some context this week for Connor again and for the runner from Tri-Cities Prep should be a good thing to key on for State as well. Congrats on an excellent season over all for sure and the new state course should be fast and fun!

Travis 17:15, 6th place, 5:33 1st mile - 5:33 pace
Well done again — both in staying relaxed enough early and in competing late. Sorry that your hip continues to nag, but you took the right steps and found a great spot early to work your way into a sweet kick to the finish with Garett Wilson from Tonasket late. Also nice to see you get a little revenge over Grant Torgeson from Manson, and with more smart racing like this you should be poised to crack the top 25 at State and hopefully to take a late race run for a spot on the podium.

Lazo: 18:19, 25th place, 5:49 1st mile - 5:54 pace
Rollin’ Once again a vintage Lazo late-season District performance, and this year it mattered more than any before. Super glad to have your steady and reliable hand on the throttle for keeping our 3-6 runners on track and honest with the Manson and Tonasket crews both early and late. SO close all around in the mix with those guys and we’ll have similar work to do next weekend in Pasco. It’ll be a slightly new course this year, but no matter what its awesome to have 4 of our 7 back at State with some experience to burn.

Bellamy 18:30, 29th place, 5:51 1st mile - 5:57 pace
Sorry about your leg Bellamy, but another great race to help us earn another berth at State. Without your surge through the later half of the season we could easily have ended this season just a little shy of qualifying, but nine years in a row is better then starting over again in 2019. Ice and ibuprofen. Roll those quad, IT bands, and calves. Not much to do this week but to get those legs feeling fresher and looser. Great work again and now comes the fun part.

Simon: 18:35, 30th place, 5:44 1st mile - 5:59 pace
Another tough and gutsy race. You were feeling a bit more yourself at Leagues, but holding your spot in the later part of this race was certainly key to our team performance. And now 10 days between races is WAY better than 4. So glad to have you be a part of this for four years Simon. After dropping some major time between 9th and 10th grade and then again last year, you’re due for chuck to drop again at State. Rest up. Sleep. Take care of things this week and we can look forward to a great way to end the senior season next weekend in Pasco!

Bodhi: 19:17, 42nd, 5:50 1st mile - 6:12 pace
Word on street says you were sick and not entirely yourself last weekend — but at the same time really wanting to hold your spot on this team and to run at State. Mission accomplished! Hopefully a restful weekend and a less dire set of circumstances will set you up well for a fine season finish at State. The pressure is totally off. You are strong. You are fit. you’ve got more speed then you realize. Tarps off in Pasco — cupping marks and all!!! (PS I mean that figuratively.) Have fun with this last XC race of the year and then its on to snow!

Owen: 19:34, 46th place, 5:59 1st mile - 6:18 pace
Congratulations Owen on a fine season overall and a really great rebound back into the 19:30’s for this penultimate meet of the season. Your contributions to the tenor of this group, from random intellectual conversations - to giving Simon some added company on MANY runs have been great to see and I hope that you have enjoyed participating in this team as much as we have enjoyed having you be a part of it. One more road trip and an overnight to boot. Soak it up and enjoy!

JUNIOR VARSITY BOYS

Cooper: 19:17, 2nd place, 6:01 1st mile - 6:12 pace
Steady again and far and away your best race of the year. Congrats Cooper on an excellent District meet. On the heels of this and the similar performance at Leagues, we have decided to give you the 7th spot on the varsity team for State. Nothing different that you need to do, but congratulations overall on an excellent season. One more race to go and its all icing on the cake from here.

Andrew: 19:59, 4th place, 6:01 1st mile - 6:26 pace
Another fine race and good to see you going for it early and rolling the dice a bit on a chance to win the race. There are moments always where someone makes a push, and you fought hard to hang with Cooper through the middle even if it just didn’t pan out in the end. Hoping that we’ll see you in practices over this next week and congratulations on earning your alternate role with State qualifying team.

AND for David, Eli, and Kieren… this race was a blast to watch!

David: 20:12, 6th place, 6:19 1st mile - 6:30 pace
What Rob said about Brewster made an inspired difference late, but no matter what, you and Eli were in this one from the start. Glad to see you running again with little thought or worry about your foot, and this was a great sign-off on the freshman season — with more to come and more time drop in the seasons ahead!

Eli: 20:15, 8th place, 6:20 1st mile - 6:30 pace
Fastest first mile of the year, and it just continued from there. A really great freshman season and your strength from summer hiking and consistent workouts through the season really shinned in these last two races. Your form continues to look great from race-to-race and each year will build on the next going forward. You have no idea how much faster you are going to be 1-2 years from now, but it’s going to be fun to watch!

Kieren: 21:01, 11th place, 6:22 1st mile - 6:46 pace
The photos of this race tell it all. Head up, looking ‘round the corner. Locked on to Eli etc. etc. Another small field I know, but they way that you all ran was impressive indeed. Psyched to see you knock some time off of that former Bridgeport PR and we can’t wait to have you back again as a sophomore. And let’s just remember, nearly 20 seconds faster than Emerson’s freshman year time on this course!

High School & Middle School League Championships - 10.20.18

Liberty Bell XC - League Championships
Location: Liberty Bell High School, Winthrop, WA

Date: 10.20.18

Distance: 1.5mi MS, 3mi HS Course: Our home course — and a new one at that! Tall grass, short grass, trail, a few hills, an unanticipated water feature behind the elementary school, and a ton of cheering fans. The most perfect sunny fall weather!

MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS
1st place team. 15 points. Way to go girls. That was some fine racing. It was great to see some good competition out there. We do have strength in numbers. Something that some of the other teams are missing at this point. This will probably change in the future but we can continue to work to get stronger and faster and continue the great tradition of Mt. Lion distance running.

Ayla – 1st place, 9:37 - 6:28 first mile
Super smart race. Hanging back early, working with your teammates and letting it go when the time was right. Your finishing kick was a sight to behold. Great season. Your hard work and determination paid off big time. It was wonderful to see your confidence grow throughout the season. You battled through your early struggles the Nemesis and came out on top.

Leki - 2nd place, 9:40 - 6:26 first mile
Way to represent the Green and Gold once again. Your joy for running was evident
as you flew around the new course. Your racing experience is paying off. Understanding your pace and having patience in the early stages are the hallmarks of smart racers. Pre race nerves seemed to just provide fuel for your race. Great thing to be able to take that energy and channel it in positive directions. Awesome possum.

Dashe - 5th place, 10:07 - 6:27 first mile
You get the courage award for the day. You went out with the Brewster gals, pushing the pace and exploring how fast you could go. Ultimately, it might have been a little too fast but still you had the gumption to get out and give it a go. You held on courageously at the end, gritting through the last quarter mile even when your body was telling you, “No!” This season was full of learning for you and I’m confident the experience will help you grow as a racer and as a person. I look forward to seeing out there for many years to come.

Linnaea - 11th place, 11:17 - 7:30 first mile
So close to a couple of your goals. One place out of the top ten and just over the 1:30 split with our top runner. Great learning experience. Now you know what it takes to get out and compete. Super solid first season. Loads of improvement all the way though. Strong and confident. You are a runner.

Ila - 12th place, 11:17 - 7:30 first mile
Great finish. Your quiet determination has been shining all season long. You have been consistently turning in solid performances week in, week out. Really learning how to race. What an improvement from those first couple of races. Wow. Let’s plan on a solid summer of running next year and build a big base to grow on.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
1st Place. We knew it was going to be tight in order to hold off Brewster, and on a beautiful day for racing, you all showed up and put forth and effort to be proud of. Defending your home turf. Way to go.

Isaiah - 1st place, 8:23 - 5:34 first mile

Way to get out there and race. You took off fast early , hoping to end the race early. When you saw that was not going to happen, you adjusted. Tucking in behind the Brewster runners and letting them do the hard work. You remained confident and finished them off with a devas ting kick. Way to go. This season had some health challenges for you but ended on a high note. Really looking forward to seeing you run with a full season of training under your belt. On to 5K in 2019!

Will - 7th place, 9:04 - 5:59 first mile

Great race. You achieved one of your goals for the race and still have a few more to keep working on in the future. Sub six minute mile split. Check. Beating Cruz from Manson. Oh so close. 8 seconds and one place behind him. Don’t worry, he is a 7th grader and you will have plenty of chances to get after him. Awesome first season. Your passion for running is contagious. Looking forward to seeing you grow into a team leader next year.

Graham - 8th place, 9:04 - 6:01 first mile
What a kick. You looked strong and relaxed motoring past the McCabe sculptures on your way to the finish. Did not leave anything out there in your last MS race. Impressive. Super solid season, getting stronger and faster pretty much each race. With continued training I am confident you will slot right into High School team and be a force to be reckoned with.

Carter - 11th place, 9:15 - 6:04 first mile
Way to go. Working with Aksel, you two were able to stay right in front of Brewster 4 and 5 runners. That was pretty much the race. If those guys beat you, Brewster walks away with the hardware. This is what we talked about before the race and you made it happen. Love to see you set goals and work hard to achieve them.

Aksel - 12th place, 9:17 - 6:05 first mile
Ditto on the comments for Carter. You were our 5th runner and finished just ahead of Brewster 4/5. Truly an amazing first year on the XC circuit. You really started moving in the second half of the season. When we got started, if someone would have told me you would almost be under 6 minute pace by the end of the year, I would have told them they were crazy. What wonders never cease. Can’t wait to see you leading the next wave of Mt. Lion MS harriers in 2019.

Tristan - 15th place, 9:39 - 6:13 first mile
You said you weren’t happy with your effort. But there were some many things to like about it. As you move on to HS running, we can work on staying connected and focused early in the races. I loved your second half of the race. You closed over 50 yds on a Brewster runner and challenged him at the finish even when you thought you were done. Great work. Great season.

Jackson – 19th place, 9:57 - 6:32 first mile
Way to finish out your season. Sub 10 min and right at 6:30 mile pace. Those are good accomplishments. You were able to close the gap on the runners ahead of you in the second half of the race. Good even pacing. Thanks for bringing a great positive attitude out to practice every day. Getting out for regular runs next summer will be important as you transition up the longer distances but I am sure you will handle the leap just fine.

Kyler 22nd place, 9:59 - 6:34 first mile
Sub 10. Ye Ha. Excellent effort to close out the season. The last couple of races have been a bit challenging for you. So great to get your body and mind all lined up to finish on a high note. You were the 9th 7th grader across the line, which bodes well for next year’s team. Awesome season.
You are just getting going with this running thing. Good things to come.

Landry 23rd place, 10:01 - 6:36 first mile
For someone who jumped into racing mid way through the season, you had a really good season. 10th place for 7th graders at the League Championship. Right on. Going into this final race, the goal was to connect and hang with Kyler and Jackson. Guess what? You were right there the whole way. Excellent race. You will be an important piece on next year’s team as we strive to keep Brewster at bay.

Kellen and Sawyer: Sorry to not see you two toe the line. That injury bug seemed pretty potent this fall. You each brought good things to the team throughout the season. Look forward to having you both out next year.

HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS
3 miles, 27 total finishers. Team League Champions with a perfect 15 points!

What an awesome show of mountain lion pride. Sure, you knew this was the smallest field we’d see all season, but you still showed up in the right frame of minds and ready to race. You all put a lot of heart out there running on the home course. You reminded us all that runners don’t run for the fame or the glory—you run to test yourselves and for each other. And, whether today’s race went great for you or didn’t, you were clearly giving everything you had and that’s all we can ask! Rest up, Wednesday will be here soon and it will be one last chance to put on that green uniform and gold glitter as a full team.

Novie: 17:58, 1st place, 5:48 first mile, 6:05 pace
As always, you found a great rhythm from the starting whistle and you just held steady. I continue to like seeing you get out in sub 5:50 pace — I do think that’s the key to a PR fast time at State! You are managing that fast start well — you never looked like it was too fast and you had plenty left in the last mile. It’s hard leading from start to finish but you did so with strength and grace.

Icel: 19:32, 2nd place, 6:06 first mile, 6:31 pace
Your magical senior season just keeps getting better! You were all alone from the start and yet you, too, held steady, never looked distressed, and just kept keeping the pedal to the medal. You ran with all the confidence of the senior woman you are and it is nothing less than a pleasure to watch you reach new heights this season. Thank you, also, for setting such a positive tone for the whole team—you and Ava are awesome leaders!

Greta: 20:05, 3rd place, 6:15 first mile, 6:42 pace
Congratulations -- that was a big race. You were about 9 seconds behind Icel at the mile and you pretty much kept that gap the same — which is amazing because Icel is known for super tough second halves. You got into a great rhythm and just looked so smooth and relaxed. You were the epitome of a strong 5K runner — and that will be an auspicious sign for your upcoming ski season!

Jori: 20:17, 4th place, 6:27 first mile, 6:46 pace
You just get going and there is no stopping you. You have this fierce look of determination and your arms and legs just seem to move faster and faster as the race progresses. Nice job racing Hannah Wapato from Lake Roosevelt’ — you will see her again on Wednesday and you two match up nicely for some exciting racing. Just keep believing in your second half power and keep enjoying it—you make it look fun!

Ava: 21:13, 6th place, 6:34 first mile, 7:04 pace
You looked like you literally had a smile on your face about halfway through the race. And you earned one because you were racing great! You got out well (maybe a little fast in the first 400, but you adjusted) and then you just raced it. It looked like one of those days when everything just clicked. Keep doing what you've been doing and stay healthy and you'll be a force at State!

Mahali: 22:01, 8th place, 7:02 first mile, 7:20 pace
What a terrific last mile! You were patient at the start and just ran the race you knew you could run. You steadily moved up throughout and your endurance and calm approach just kept propelling you forward. Congrats on a freshman year top 10 League performance!

Eva: 22:07, 9th place, 6:48 first mile, 7:22 pace
We’re glad your foot is feeling better and thanks for heeding our advice to not run in spikes. On Wednesday we’ll be back on grass and you can wear the fast shoes if you wish! After a week away from running, it was good to get back in the rhythm of racing. You had some stretches of the race that looked good and strong, and some where it seemed like your tempo dropped (remember—Arms!). I suspect you’ll find your usual rhythm again quickly and be right back where you want to be on Wednesday. 

Lena: 22:53, 10th place, 7:23 first mile, 7:38 pace
Another race where you just looked stronger and stronger as you went. You had excellent drive and a picture-perfect forward lean in the last 800 meters and you were just going for it. It’s been so terrific to see you getting faster, stronger, and more confident with every race this season. You’ve worked hard and you have earned these races that feel good!

Ayeanna: 23:16, 11th place, 7:29 first mile, 7:45 pace
So great to see you continue to find your 5K race sense. You’ve had a stretch here of good, solid racing efforts with nerves under control and power in every step. I’m predicting a great race at districts and a next season full of PR’s as you will find the more 5Ks you run the easier they get!

Keeley: 23:20, 13th place, 6:50 first mile, 7:47 pace
Let’s focus on the positives. You didn’t quit. A year ago on this same course you also had a panic attack mid-race and you quit. This year, you showed your inner fortitude and you stuck it out — even when it was not fun. You also are letting yourself “own” the challenge — no excuses or justifications — and you are letting yourself feel the disappointment. These are the powerful lessons of sport and why we learn so much from putting ourselves out there on a starting line. You are brave. You are strong. And, we will always believe in you.

Annika: 23:27, 14th place, 7:25 first mile, 7:49 pace
You must have had a super fast finishing kick—when I last saw you with about 600 meters to go you were starting to change gears and wow you must have really put it in high! Nice job all season long believing in yourself and in the progression of our training. You look more and more comfortable out there—you don’t look like you are just trying to finish, you are racing!

Lindsay: 23:27, 7:23 first mile, 7:49 pace
If I had a magic wand and I could make your legs feel less tired and super great, I would use it in a second! I am sorry that we haven’t found the right formula yet to help you feel refreshed. Stick with us, though, because I really do believe we can figure it out. You are such a tough competitor and you work so hard and we will get there!

Willa: 26:02, 7:48 first mile, 8:41 pace
Another cross-country race completed and in under 9 minutes per mile! Super impressive! It was great to see you out there running with teammate Payten. With every week you are looking stronger, less nervous, and more like the seasoned runner you now are!

Payten: 26:04, 7:48 first mile, 8:41 pace
You are so tough! I know this one resulted in a slower per mile pace than you’ve run earlier in the season, but you’ve been battling some very sore shins and it’s a tougher-than-it-looks course. What I loved was that you just stayed right in it, working hard and focused all the way. Great job finding a teammate to run with and helping each other along the way. That’s what XC is all about!

Anja, Ella, Lilia — We look forward to having you back in the green and gold on Wednesday!

Kierra— We hope your horse show went well!

Liv & Gretta S. — We miss you!!! Hope those feet/ankles are healing and we can’t wait to see you next season!

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS
55 finishers. 43 points. Second to Manson’s 30 points and 15 points ahead of Brewster’s 58.

Some really good competition and an intentional, no-fuss, no messing around approach to the meet that will serve you well at the District meet. Out first mile was perhaps a little short due to the morning water feature behind the elementary school, but no matter what you all got out strong and ran the race like it needed to be run. Brewster is on notice and we’ve established a nice psychological edge heading into the the week. Rest and recover, but keep your focus on the task ahead. Stay positive with yourself if you had a rough patch and skew your thoughts towards all of the good races and workouts over the last several weeks. It’s showtime Gang! 

Emerson 17:01, 2nd place, 1st mile 5:22 - 5:42 pace
Another fine race Emerson and perhaps on a day when you might have been a little more tired from Homecoming activity etc.. Good to establish from the start that you were in it to challenge for a top 1-2 finish for as long as possible, and just perhaps a few little surges in there where you lot a little contact — but still stayed close through the whole of that second lap. REST and prime the pump for Districts. There will be a bit more company on the front end of that race and that should be good.

Travis 17:25, 4th place, 1st mile 5:32 - 5:48 pace
Way to be Travis. You're comfort with XC races this year is on another level entirely. You got out well and went toe-to-toe with Grant from Manson through most of the race. This was just what we needed today and it will be a great set-up for you this week in Moses Lake as well. Expect a little more company from a kid or two from Tonasket, Trout Lake and Bickleton — plus the #1 runner from Riverside Christian who did not race at Leagues. You can definitely expect to be in the top 10-15 in that race, and a little patience early, plus moving up later is working great. 

 

Simon: 18:19, 12th place, 1st mile 5:42 - 6:06 pace
OK Simon, that was it! Aggressive at the start and right in contact with the part of the race where you needed to be. Tucked in right behind Brewster #3 and only 9 seconds back of Manson #4 at the end. There will be a few others thrown in the mix on Wed. but racing in the ballpark with these guys puts you inside the top 28 at Leagues and helps our team in a major way. Glad to hear that your legs were feeling just a little better, and looking forward to a few more restful days ahead.

Bellamy 18:26, 14th place, 1st mile 5:45 - 6:09 pace
Steady again and your consistency and toughness through the middle of the race is really paying off. Great to see you breaking up Manson’s #5 & #6 — and really just 10 sec. back of Brewster’s #3. Another race like this on Wed. should put you inside the top 30 at Districts and any little battle that we can win with any racer from any school over that last mile will be pushing points down the line and helping our chances as a team. Great job again. Rest and recovery. Then some more racing! 

Lazo: 18:33, 17th place, 1st mile 5:46 - 6:11 pace

Nice work Lazo and a good “back in action” race for you after the weekend away — AND a busy Homecoming week. Season’s end is your typical time to shine. Year-after-year you make an impressive statement at the District meet and there is no reason to expect anything less at Moses Lake. Great to see right in the mix with Lamar and Cochran from Manson — which does position you right on the top 30 bubble for Districts but you got a little caught off guard in the finishing kick. Think good thoughts for one decisive move and know that momentum will take over and you can go for it at the end even longer than you think!

Andrew: 18:49, 18th place, 1st mile 5:48 - 6:16 pace
A season break through for sure and it was good to see you hanging a little stronger at the end then you were able to last week at Oroville. Nice job shadowing the Lazo/Bodhi group throughout and hopefully you can dial it up again for a few days of practice this week and another good one in Moses Lake this Wednesday!

Bodhi: 18:56, 19th, 1st mile 5:47 - 6:19 pace
Deep breath. Let it go. A hiccup race Bodhi and one that you can set aside with ease. Strong running that first mile, but take some pressure off and know that your senior teammates (Lazo & Simon) can guide you into the right part of the race. From there, let your sophomore brain just be a kid and compete. You are a seriously strong and seriously fit individual. Let the muscles move. Let the brain relax. Make a game of it. One runner at a time. We’ve got your back!

Cooper: 19:09, 20th place, 1st mile 5:48 - 6:23 pace
Steady again Cooper and a really tough and admirable race all-around. You hung in there on that group from the start and proved that you could do it through much of the race. That kids of will and grit will follow you nicely into the ski season as well, but you get at least one more race to make it happen in your running shoes as well. A quick first mile, but really your most complete race of the year and awesome to have you in front of Brewster’s 4th runner and even Lake Roosevelt’s 3nd – who at one time this season ran an 18:15 5k Congrats and we can’t wait to see you throw it down one more time at Moses Lake.

Owen: 20:49, 34th place, 1st mile 6:04 - 6:56 pace
Like I said on Saturday, chalk this one up and focus on the positive for this week’s race at Moses Lake. You cramped up early here, but it was the end of an unusual week and energy levels were at a lower flow for several others as well. Think about tempo in your arms and how much of a difference that upper body can make in covering gaps and in getting the legs to move when you want to stick with a group. In the finish on Saturday you found a WHOLE different gear just by getting the arms moving again. Little controlled doses of that will do wonders in the middle of a race as well. A great first-year season so far. Bring it to the line one more time and see what happens!

David: 19:15, 37th place, 1st mile 6:38 - 7:02 pace
Well done David. Love that you toed the line even know that your ankle was sore and that it would be something of an extra effort. You looked smooth throughout and one more HS 3mi under your belt is a building block for next year for certain. Keep us posted on how it feels in the next two days and hoping that you can finish off the season even a little looser and well rested in Moses Lake. 

Eli: 21:32, 40th place, 1st mile 6:38 - 7:03 pace
Another fine race Eli and right back down in that 7 min per mile ballpark where you were at Twilight. Closer this race as well to several runners from Brewster and Tonasket that are often 20+ seconds ahead and hope that you are feeling a little better even still for Wednesday. A few hills and downhills at Moses Lake, but lots of wide-open grass and a good chance to run fast in the last race of the year.

Kieren: 22:24, 47th place, 1st mile 6:46 - 7:32 pace
A fast first mile that was short but well under 7 min for sure. Good to see you pushing the pace and experimenting even though sometimes it can hurt a little more in the middle. A little smaller group out there today with a few of Tonasket’s normal JV choosing not to run. It should be fun at Districts to have a bigger crowd of runners near your pace and there will be less running on your own which is always nice. Wish I could make those shins heal up the pain go away, but your persistence is admirable and you’ve had a great year adapting to the longer distance.

New Campus Course for 2018!

On the high school side we are switching to a two-lap campus course that will have a little more running on grass, a few less loops on the east side of the track and a generally more wide-open feel. The start and finish is now on the dry grass area west of the parking lot.

For middle school the start is pushed about 120 ahead of the high school line but the finish line will be the same. One shorter loop through the campus and a downhill finish into the chute!

Our home meet and League Championship event is this coming Saturday, October 20th.

Oroville Invite - 10.12.18

Bridgeport Invitational - 10.6.18

Liberty Bell XC - Bridgeport Invite
Location: Lake Woods Golf Course, Bridgeport, WA

Date: 10.9.18

Distance: 1.5mi MS, 5k HS Course: Lots of long grass, one big loop plus a little extra for the MS. Two loops plus a little more extra for the HS. Two uphills (including one right near the end) and one longer gradual downhill. No rain this time and pretty much fine running weather.

MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS
Boys 1st 29 (Manson 63: Cruz 9:00, Sanchez 9:30, Castro 10:24, Boyd 10:43)
(LR 75: Marchand 9:00, Downs 9:39)

Will 3rd 9:12 (-10)
Great race. You dropped ten seconds off your time and were just a hair over 6 minute pace and finished first for the Mtn Lion crew. Your race was smart and that driving fisnish was a site to behold. It has been so fun to watch through the season so far, attacking your goals with a joy and passion for running. Now that we are getting to know some of the other local runners, lets make a plan for racing with them and see if we can turn the tables in our last couple of meets.

Carter 4th 9:14 (-17)
A 17 second drop is an impressive feat. You look to be developing greater confidence, heading out and leading a strong pack of Liberty Bell runners. Your work mid-race was notable as you were able to keep contact with the lead runners and not let them run away from you. This concept of contact is an important one in XC racing. Looking forward to seeing what you can do it our last two races.



Graham 5th 9:18 (+11)
This race didn’t stack up to your first effort at Bridgeport but still you were able to shrink that all important gap with your brother. That is a nice thing. Your race was well balanced, settling in with our lead pack from the start and working from there. You looked comfortable and relaxed. Experimenting with pushing the pace a little more early and trying to keep hanging is a possible strategy that we can discuss.



Sawyer 6th 9:25
Was so good to see you out there running strong after gutting through the Leavenworth race. You did well to keep contact after letting a small gap develop. We will keep talking about connectedness moving forward. A variety of small injuries has set back your training so far this season but it looks like it is starting to come together at a good time, Keep focusing on good solid form, strong, efficient arm drive and you will be right there with our top runners.

Tristan 11th 9:44 (-17)
Great job with a solid PR. You are running stronger every week and you times will keep dropping. Remember to keep those arms nice and relaxed with good, efficeient drive and these races will start feeling so much easier. There was a 20 second gap between you and our fourth runner. That gap also included four runners from local schools. These are the guys that we will start talking about. Go get um.

Aksel 12th 9:45 (+8)
This one looked like you might have been feeling the effects of our hard racing over the weekend. Still you gutted it out and put up a very respectable result. We will start tapering to have you fresh for the league. Focus on stay relaxed as you run during practice this week. Imagine nice long, balanced strides and good arm drive. In races, Keep looking ahead at those different colored jerseys and start picking them off.

Jackson 13th 9:51 (-17)

Hmmm Babe. Sub 10. Way to go. Super good rebound from a tough race at Leavenworth. You ran smart, moving up and taking a good position early but still having something left to kick with with. I think you can continue this strategy moving to our last couple races. Be aggressive early and you will surprise yourself of how ready you are to keep it going.



Kyler 20th 10:24 (+17)
Looked like a tough one. We are in the midst of a bunch of races without much rest. Some of us are going to be feeling a little tired. But even with those tired muscles, you kept battling the whole loop. Awesome job. All this work will makeus stronger and faster, eventually. Lets check in and make sure that you are doing what you need to have your legs fresh for the last two races. Way to go.

Landry 26th 10:47
Fighting through some cramping is not an easy thing. Way to go for being tough and gutting it out. You haven’t gotten too many miles in yet but you definitely have that determined mind of a runner. Solid job. Lets get the cramping figured out and get back to working with Kyler and picking off pack runners by the bushel.

Isaiah JV Race 8:59
Way to show some gumption to get back up after stopping in the first race. Your time would have been less than a second faster than the winning MS time. Would have loved to see you out there dueling it out with LR and Manson runners. I know this season has not quite worked out as you had wished with injuries and wrong turns but lets still look towards the league meet and see if we can pull it all together. You are the leader of a very talented team with loads of potential.

GAAA! SO SORRY MS GIRLS. ALL OF MY PHOTOS WERE BLURRY. YOU WERE MOVING TOO FAST OR I WAS TO EXCITED OR SOMETHING! I'LL DO BETTER AT OROVILLE.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS
Girl's 1st Place

Dashe 1st 9:46 (+14)
Way to lead our pack (or should I say) pride of lady Mtn Lions to a solid finish. You battled through some mental anguish over the weekend at Leavenworth and came out the stronger for it. Great work. Your time was slower than the first time but you positioned yourself well and finished super strong. That is good tactical racing. We are in the midst of a string of races so expect tired legs but we will make sure that you are fresh for Leagues.

Leki 2nd 9:50 (-5)
Battling nerves and tired legs, you threw down another top notch performance. Way to go. Your confidence increases with each race. You went out right with our top pack with the knowledge that you belong there. The finish down the last straight away was solid. Lets talk about the possibility of starting your kick a little bit earlier in our last couple of races.

Stella 3rd 9:54 (+11)
Another fine effort. You rolled along with Dashe and Leki just like at Leavenworth. This time they turned the tables at the finish. This competition up front is a great thing for Liberty Bell XC as we move forward. I look forward to seeing all of you duel it out for many years to come. Lets focus on feeling strong as we move towards the end of the season. (Did you decide if you think that full on speed tag at lunch is a great pre race strategy?? I have my thoughts…..)

Lin 10th 11:15 (-47)
Way to rock it. Dropping 47 seconds in the span of a few weeks is pretty amazing. You looked calm, collected and strong. Working with Ila you were able to pick up places at consistent pace throughout. Keep looking forward. Speaking of looking forward, you and Ila beat a Mansons no. 1 runner by 25 seconds in Leavenworth. She ran 10:53 at Bridgeport. This shows me you two still have some room to keep getting faster. Go girls.

Ila 11th 11:17 (-2:00)
Two minutes? Two minutes? Wow. I need to check the record book but I cant believe that any other Mtn. Lion has dropped their MS time by two minutes in such a short span of time. Way to go. Your hard work attitude is paying big dividends. I am sure that your times will keep dropping but the seconds will get harder to shed as you get faster. Keep working.

Penny 15th 12:10
Awesome finish. You battled some mental distractions and ended up turning in a great effort. You were flying down that final fairway, a veritable green flash. This shows that you probably had quite a bit left in the tank. We can work on pacing and try to get you going out a little faster. We are all excited to see how you can finish up your first XC season.

Nina 16th 12:10
What a difference a month makes. You dropped out of this race back in September and now you cruised through it like a pro. Your breathing was even and in control. You stride looks solid as it develops some length and increased drive. Keep focusing on the form work at practice and this will help you continue your dramatic improvement. Awesome possum.



HS BOYS
Another look at Tonasket, Manson, and Brewster, plus the top 2-3 runners from LR who will also be in the top 25 or so at Leagues and Districts. It was great to have a chance to race another meet for those of you that missed Leavenworth for the SAT or for resting weary shins. More similar action with all of these teams over the next few races and we look well poised to compete for a spot to State!

VARSITY BOYS
71 finishers. Team: 7th out of 9 - just 15pts. back of Brewster with less then our full compliment of runners. They will be gunning for us for sure over the next several weeks.

Emerson 17:14, 4th place, 1st mile 5:24 - 5:33 pace
Awesome race. Pure and simple. You got after it early and aggressive, opening up more of a gap than I’d have guessed on Connor T. and spent a good portion of that first loop in relative proximity to Owen Bard. A new 5k PR is your just reward, and with a little speed play and some tapering in the next two weeks you will be ready to finish with the best of them at District and State.



Lazo: 19:07, 35th place, 1st mile 6:06 - 6:09 pace
Super well paced again and my fingers are crossed that you are ready to bust one in the next few weeks and to drop another 20-30 seconds into that sub-six min. zone. You’ve historically been an excellent closer as the season winds down and we’ll need that leadership and sensible but speedy racing more that ever here in 2018. Have a great trip back east and we’ll see you next week.

Simon: 19:10, 37th, 1st mile 6:06 - 6:10 pace
Another great job of staying connected to the pack at just the right place. You almost lost them a little before the mile, but your toughed it out and that little bit of effort in just the right place made all of the difference. You and Lazo have been leading the way for this group — and we’ll need that esp. at League and District. Get these guys launched and then don’t be shy about talking it up out there and getting Bodhi or maybe Bellamy and Owen work with you all and to go after some people during that middle part of the race. A little R&R is on the way to hopefully put some snap in those tired legs.

Owen: 19:17, 40th place, 1st mile 6:06 - 6:12 pace
Nicely done all around Owen! Tough running from the start and an amazing job of hanging with Lazo and Simon who have usually been just a little out of reach after that first mile or so. Your cold is gone and the training effect is playing out. A few more races like this at season’s end and you could help in a big way towards pushing over a few more hurdles to State. Congrats on a super nice new 5k PR and well done!

Kieren: 21:40, 62nd place, 1st mile 6:37 - 6:58 pace
BOOM! A 40 sec. 5k PR and proof positive that a little rest can do you good. Really glad to see you out there and giving it your all today. I know that those shins are a pain, but you carried yourself well early and fought through with grit in the second half. You’ll have Eli back in the mix to pace you at Oroville and we should see even a little more time come off of that over all race pace in the tapered and rested part of League and Districts!



HS GIRLS
41 finishers — and TWO first HS 5k finishes!!!

Kierra: 22:05, 7th place, 7:09 first mile - 7:06 pace
Congrats on your first official 5k HS race — and a really solid one at that! And just like last year at Ephrata, you started out conservative and slowly picked your way through the pack. I’m sure that it felt fun to pass so many runners, and I know that you’ll have even more fun running with a few teammates (Lilia, Mahali, Lena, Lindsay etc.) at the race this Friday in Oroville. I know that you’re a little uncertain about how racing fits into the rest of your schedule/life, but if you jumped in all the way you would be down in the low 21 minutes before you knew it.



Aeyanna: 23:57, 14th place, 7:13 first mile - 7:43 pace
Hoorah! Another huge 5k PR and some super excellent and confident running right from the start. Any sign of nerves from the start at Twilight was totally gone for this one, and you looked comfortable, fast, and sure of every step right from the beginning. Maybe it was that awesome three runner-one-coach cheer at the start? Maybe not. I



Anja: 28:42, 34th place, 8:41 first mile - 9:14 pace
You did it! HS 5k. Done. Put it to bed! So great to hear you tell me “I got this” shortly after mile no. 2. I mean, I know I asked you the question, but your stride looked good. You ran strong and steady throughout, and there wasn’t an ounce of waver in your answer. Really well done Anja. This whole season is a step towards strength and stability in your injured leg. We know that the shin splints are an added bit of sucky-ness, but you are making so much progress after a really hard go. Keep up the great work and congrats again!

Leavenworth Invitational - 10.6.18

Liberty Bell XC - Leavenworth Invite
Location: Ski Hill, Leavenworth, WA

Date: 10.6.18

Distance: 1.4mi MS (probably a bit short) with start line up the hill from last year. 2.8 mi HS Course: A challenging, hilly course on double-track trails through the woods. Three steep hills at the start/middle/finish, some rolling downs, and two times a longer climb in the wood. NOT a fast or easy course but a great mid-season primer for faster, flatter racing later on. Gorgeous fall afternoon. Cooler at the start of the day but mid 60’s and sunny later on.

MS BOYS
68 total finishers. No team scores posted.

Carter: 8:51, 11th place
Way to lead the charge for Mtn. Lions. You went out strong and were able to keep it going the whole way. Tough on the ups and opening up on the downs just like we talked about. This is probably your strongest race of the year. It definitely looks like the hills agree with you. You are peaking at just the right time as we start to focus on the League meet in two weeks. Perfect.



Will: 8:59, 13th place
You are starting to consistently race well and taking your spot as one of our top runners. This race was no exception. You have embraced the challenge in practices, pushing to go faster, asking for an extra repetition. This attitude embraces the “growth mindset” we are looking for. As we move forward towards the end of the season, I’m confident that your race results will reflect all of your hard work.

Graham: 9:04, 17th place
Way to hang tough and stay connected. It was great to see you dig down and fight up the last hill. Our top group of runners are forming a tight pack. It is great to have some internal competition to push us all a little further, make us a little faster. I’m looking forward to seeing you get back on some of the flatter courses and put up some super fast times. Way to go.

Aksel: 9:10, 19th place
Every race you keep demonstrating improvement. You ran solidly throughout the hilly course and finished strong on the uphill, picking up extra places. You are running with confidence and have your eyes set squarely on joining up with our lead pack. We will work on connecting you with some of those 8th graders as we start to look towards the League Championship meet.

Tristan: 9:25, 26th place
Way to go out and run your race. You found a good spot in the pack early on and were able to hold that place throughout. A great balanced effort. I think that the miles that we have put in through the season are starting to pay off. Keep focusing on technique in practice, good arm drive, good leg turnover and that form will help your racing efforts improve.



Kyler: 9:31, 29th place
I think that some of that strides and form work is starting to pay off. You looked super solid finishing up that steep hill. Great arm drive, up on your toes, powerful shortened stride.You picked up a few places in that last 200 with plenty left in the tank. Nice work. Let’s look at what it would feel like to go out a little harder in our last couple of races.

Landry: 9:32, 30th place
Welcome to Mtn Lion XC. Awesome first race. With the hilly Leavenworth Course, you got tossed right into the fire and responded beautifully. I loved the way you tucked in behind Kyler and followed him throughout the race. Whenever he passed someone, you were right behind and picked off the same guy. Super smart racing strategy. This first performance clearly show that good lies ahead.

Jackson: 9:39, 35th place
Not your top race of the year but you showed good grit to hang in there when your patented finishing kick didn’t materialize late in the race. Some days are going to be like that. Lets talk and come up with good strategy for getting you fresh for our last couple of meets. I look forward to seeing you finish super strong on some the flatter courses that lie ahead.

Sawyer: 10:28, 47th place
Way to hang tough with your bum leg and all. You tried to roll with it early but made a good decision to slow down when your thigh didn’t respond. That was some serious grit you displayed to make it all the way round that hilly course. That kind of attitude combined some fresh legs will be hard to beat down the road. We will work hard to get you feeling good so you can finish up the season with some blazing performances.

Kellen: 10:35, 50th place
You keep getting stronger each meet. You were solid coming up the hills on the backside and smooth and relaxed rolling through the downhills. Even getting through the steep finishing section, you looked composed and comfortable. Negotiating a challenging course like this in this manner bodes well for some fast times on the flat courses that lie ahead. Good work.

Isaiah: Thanks for taking the time to come down and support your teammates. It is part of what makes a really good team. Look forward to seeing you back on the race course this week.

MS GIRLS
50 total finishers. No team scores posted.

Stella: 9:13, 2nd place
What a strong finish! You looked so determined at the bottom of the big hill and you just powered up it. You were driving your elbows really well and you just ate up the hill. Nice job staying connected to the Liberty Bell pack throughout the race and then picking your moment to go for it.

Leki: 9:15, 3rd place
What a great job tackling a really hard course. You tucked right in the pack of your teammates and were so gutsy the whole way. Excellent arm drive on the uphill at the finish and really nice job opening up your stride on that long downhill after the mile.

Dashe: 9:18, 4th place
It is so much fun to watch you race. You are so focused and yet calm and some how it also feels like there is a grin going on inside you the whole time. You like running fast and it shows! And, it is even more fun to run fast with teammates! Excellent job keeping the Liberty Bell pack on pace throughout the race.

Ayla: 9:20, 5th place
You were the definition of perseverance today. You got out at a great pace and stuck like glue to your teammates. I suspect that your “nemesis” that cold/cough zapped some energy from you and left you feeling dizzy there at the end. You looked much better after a chance to recover. Please know you will not always feel like that at the end of a race!

Linnaea: 11:05, 25th place
You had some definite focus going into the last uphill and you certainly changed gears! It looked to me like you raced every step of the way okay — no hesitation and no saving something for later. Your confidence is growing every week and you are running with purpose now. Keep it up!

Ila : 11:05, 26th place
You did a terrific job today working all the ups and downs of this trail course. You kept your arms moving well and your legs, then, followed. You looked relaxed and comfortable in the first half mile and that set you up for a strong middle section of the race. Nice job driving your knees on the finish push up the hill.

Nina: 11:56, 35th place
You really turned on the motor for the last half mile. When I saw you come out of the wooded trail into the final flat section before the last hill, you were already picking up your tempo and looking so strong and determined. You ran an awesome last hill to the finish!



Grace: 12:25, 42nd place
You looked fluid, fast, and comfortable for the whole first half. I know your breathing started to feel off after that but you stayed with it and that’s so impressive. I am absolutely confident that you will figure out what you need to do when to help your lungs and then you will run a whole race the way you looked and felt that first 1000 meters.

Lily: 12:26, 43rd place
I know you are looking forward to a race where your shins and legs don’t hurt. Please stick with this sport because I am sure that time will come. And, when it does, you are going to love racing! Because, the fact that you put yourself into each race as much as you do while your shins hurt, only tells me that when things feel good, you will be unstoppable! Great job navigating the hills. Next week we have some flatter, more shin-friendly courses.

Addie: Thanks so much for being there! You make a huge difference!

Penny: Looking forward to seeing you race this coming week again!



HS BOYS
Before this race we talked about running the hills and a more keen awareness of the teams from our league — Manson and Tonasket in particular. And with only seven of twelve boys toeing the line, you all took those pre-race thoughts to heart and executed. Strong uphill running from all, and everyone seemed connected to the race and to be going after notable uniforms at critical junctures. Manson raced their regular group of seven varsity runners, and Tonasket seemed to be missing their usual 5th. We held our own and proved that we can run with these teams for sure in come coming weeks of racing.

VARSITY BOYS
174 finishers. Team: 17th out of 24 - just 18 pts. back of Tonasket.

Travis: 16:53, 41st place, 1st mile 5:54 - 6:02 pace
Early on in the mid-50’s and moving up throughout. Pace and time are pretty much irrelevant today, but you ran strong on the uphills and put together another consistent race that will translate into great 5k performances in the weeks ahead. And given the role of matching up with the second runner from Manson and Tonasket you were more than up to the task. Ahead of Tonasket’s Israel Gomez by 6 sec/4 places and ahead of Manson’s 2nd by 10 sec/12 places, this is just the kind of performance that we will need at season’s end. Great work!

Bodhi: 17:43, 79th place, 1st mile 6:04 - 6:20 pace
Consistent again, and you and Lazo did a great job of keeping track of each other in a crowded, narrow and hilly course. We need to keep pushing that first mile pace a little to put this part of our team in a little closer contact with numbers 3-5 of Manson and Tonasket just a little bit earlier. If we practice it now it will be easier when it matters at the end of the season. After this week, a little more rest will also get those legs feeling speedier and stronger late in the race. You are a force to be reckoned with Mr. Kuzyk. Believe it and keep throwing down!

Lazo: 17:54, 90th place, 1st mile 6:06 - 6:24 pace
Almost 40 seconds and 30 places better than in 2017. A nice race for sure and at 17:54 you were just in striking distance of Manson’s 4th and 5th in 17:49 and 17:50. Tough to see those guys early I’m sure, but you were aware of them enough later on and that was great practice for our Championship efforts at Leagues and Districts. Getting you and Simon and Bellamy right into this mix will be key for sure and it was great to see it coming even closer again today.

Bellamy: 18:03, 135th place, 1st mile 6:13 - 6:27 pace
Smooth again and as a 4th man today - potential 5th or 6th man when we get everyone back - you are in a position to be a real difference maker for this team. You showed some nice awareness of Manson’s runners out there late in the race, and you were ahead of their 6th man and just 13 seconds behind their 4th and 5th. On a more open course with better sightlines and less of a crowd, you and Lazo and Simon will be racing with these guys for spots to state for sure. You were also ahead of Tonasket’s 4th guy today (and their usual 5th). Great racing Bellamy and more good things to come.

Cooper: 18:26, 113th place, 1st mile 6:23 - 6:35 pace
These races are starting to look more consistent and steady, and that is a good thing for sure. Just 23 seconds back of Bellamy today and just 5 seconds back of Manson’s regular #7 runner. You did a great job of hanging just off the pace set by Lazo and Bodhi, but you also didn’t loose focus or contact with other runners at any point on the course. Some really great strength on the uphills as well — where you made up major ground on many runners after mile two.



JV BOYS
210 finishers.

David: 19:34, 52nd place. 1st mile 6:46 - 6:59 pace
Nearly the same first mile and overall pace as last week — on a MUCH more uphill first mile and over all hillier and slower course. Most runners gained 10-15 seconds on their average pace from Twilight… and you gained 3. Take that as a very positive sign of things to come. another longer race and another chance to adapt to the longer distance. You looked fluid and smooth with lots of pep still in your stride on that downhill into the little bump at the start of the second lap. Keep

Eli: 20:17, 80th place. 1st mile 6:59 - 7:15 pace
Pace and mile splits are of smalll concern this week, but knowing that you were 20 places and nearly one minute ahead of Tonasket’s 1st JV runner is money in the bank! And the same is true for Manson first JV as well. Hard work in the hills this week, but another strong effort that will have you dropping serious time in another two weeks at Leagues!

Emerson, Simon, Owen, Andrew and Kieren: Looking forward to having you back in action this week!



HS GIRLS
We were a smaller team than we have been in a while, with SAT’s, illness, injury, and a musical performance all keeping some of our teammates away from the starting line. But, we were all there together in spirit and it was, as always, so cool to see how you support each other in so many ways. You made up for the missing teammates with some extra glitter — and it worked! Nice racing all around on definitely the hardest course we’ll face this year! This was a big field — 227 finishers — and once again you proved that small school teams can have big hearts and fast legs! Remember - times do NOT matter on this 2.8 mile, super hilly course!

Novie: 17:27, 1st place. 6:01 first mile - 6:14 pace
Congrats on the third year of a dominating win on this course. You totally found your rhythm and your drive on the uphills was nothing short of impressive. You were 11 seconds faster than last year on this course and you just looked totally focused and into it. Great job being patient in the first half mile and then doing the hard work thereafter.

Greta: 19:03, 8th place. 6:27 first mile - 6:48 pace
Sweet race! You probably enjoyed having a small group to run with and you just looked like you were ready to rock and roll from the beginning! You are definitely an excellent hill climber — we knew that from Cutthroat—but I was super impressed with you ability to transition to the flats and maintain momentum and not let up on the gas pedal. Excellent!

Ella: 19:18, 10th place. 6:33 first mile - 6:54 pace
You are one tough racer. I know that one didn’t feel great, but it was nonetheless 12 seconds faster than last year and such a good indicator of things to come! You showed pretty incredible mental toughness to just stay right with the race in that second lap. You were just 2 seconds away from Cashmere’s top runner — and she’s a 5:28 miler in track. Nice!



Jori: 19:49, 17th place. 6:46 first mile - 7:05 pace
You are a total force to be reckoned with in the second half of races. Wow — your last mile was totally impressive and you moved up a ton, helping your team out all the way. You were ahead of Okanogan’s top runner by quite a bit — and she’s a very very experienced and fast runner. Every week you look more determined and more confident. Watch out for the end of October/early November!

Ava: 20:26, 27th place. 6:51 first mile - 7:18 pace
Remember how you felt after this one — because you ran great and you were pleased with the effort (as you should be!). You just looked ready to go from the first few steps. Yes, the first mile was relatively fast, but you maintained your composure and you kept racing the race in front of you. You were ahead of Quincy’s #2 runner — who is a 5:25 miler. That should make you smile!

Lena: 21:52, 59th place. 7:38 first mile - 7:49 pace
You ran such a smart race! Excellent job being patient and running a truly awesome second lap. You ran with great form on the uphills and it didn’t look like they bothered you at all! Excellent work, too, really racing the people around you. You kept contact and you ended up with a huge course PR (more than 2 minutes better than last year!).

Lindsay: 22:46, 79th place. 7:37 first mile - 8:08 pace
I just need to say that you are such an impressive athlete. I know this race did not feel the way you wanted it to and the second lap wasn’t as fast as you hoped. But, you do a remarkable job finding the positives and you never never give up. That will serve you so well in the long run. I’d like to experiment with going out a bit more conservatively this week and see if you can run the second half faster than the first, which might feel really good to your legs and your mind!

Annika: 23:04, 89th place. 7:53 first mile - 8:14 pace
You ran such a steady and solid race — especially for your first time on this really tough course. You held your position in the race throughout the hard middle miles and you looked so strong. Excellent finish, too, on the uphill!



Payten: 23:57, 114th place. 8:07 first mile - 8:33 pace
You handled those hills like they were just an every-Saturday trail. All your time in the mountains pays off on courses like this. If you were nervous about the race or intimidated by the large field, you certainly didn’t show it, keeping your composure the whole time and actually even looking every once in a while like the ups and downs were fun. Excellent racing out there and great job closing it out strong on the last up.

Willa: 24:27, 130th place. 8:08 first mile - 8:44 pace
You were completely flying in the last stretch before the final uphill. Wow! Just think back to the start of the season and if you had seen that uphill and we had told you that you would not only run up it 3 times but race up, you might have not believed us. But, look a what you can do! It’s pretty amazing and we hope you continue to find the joy in the hard work! Every week just keeps getting better!

Eva: DNF. Let’s be sure to get that foot feeling good because we miss you out there. Please keep us posted.

Liv, Mahali, and Lilia: Thanks for being there to take mile splits and cheer on everyone! We know it is hard to watch others race when you want to be out there, but your presence matters and the team vibe is awesome with you!

Kierra, Aeyanna, and Anja: We look forward to seeing you all take the line next week feeling fast and ready to go!

Icel: We are certain you rocked those SAT subject tests just like you have been the cross country trails this year!

Keeley: Great job representing runners in the classical music world!

Gretta S: We miss you and definitely used extra glitter for you this week!