State Championships - 11.9.19

2019 State XC Championships 

Location: Sun Willows Golf Course, Pasco, WA

Date: 11.9.19

Athletic.net Results

Girls Overall: 2nd Place (106 points); (1st Place - Pope John Paul II with 96; 3rd Place - St. George’s with 145; 4th Place - Kettle Falls with 148) 

I’ve been putting off writing this race report all day. I’m feeling three really strong emotions and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to capture all of them correctly on paper. The first and most powerful thing I’m feeling is pride in you all—all 12 of you. You have had to bear the burden of being on the 3 time-in-row state championship team and that’s pressure. And on Saturday, that pressure beat us — but the way you responded was the epitome of what every community should want to see in its next generation. You were graceful and kind. You showed so much class when you congratulated Pope John Paul II with sincerity and warmth — a lesson hopefully not lost on some of their parents who may have needed a reminder. You were also kind with each other—recognizing that some on our team had great days while others did not. You celebrated the joys of teammates who PR’d and podiumed and you comforted those who still aren’t quite sure how the race veered from plan. I will take grace and kindness any day over any trophy or title. I have literally never been prouder of a Liberty Bell team. You are the kind of women our world needs.

The second feeling I am recognizing is sadness — sadness that this season is now over. I will admit that there are days each season when I wonder if I can really keep coaching, trying to juggle it with my work and other commitments. But, then I have a great conversation with one of you on a run or I see your dedication to this sport and I can think of nowhere else I’d rather be on fall afternoons. I am sad that I won’t get to see each of you every day - I find you all full of interesting thoughts, ideas, and personalities and I will miss you and our time together as a team.

And, finally, I find a feeling of heartbreak off an on. Nothing overwhelming, but just a recognition that I know you wanted to defend that title and bring Harriet back to the Methow and it stings when something you worked really hard for just didn’t happen. I wish, as your coach, that I had had the magic words or pre-race pump up to help you all run to your potential because I do still believe that at our best, we are unbeatable. So, I feel that same sting you do, too. But, I have learned that those stings—they fade over time and what you are left with, what really in the end matters, is immense joy at having had the chance to be on a team that fought hard together.

It has been an honor to be on this journey with you this fall. 

Gretta: 19:33, 3rd place 

Congratulations on a top-3 finish to end a very accomplished LBHS XC career. You went for it and you worked hard the whole way. I know you wanted more—and I respect that about you—but I hope time will help you feel really good about a comeback senior season that was full of some pretty terrific high points. We will miss you!!!! 

Jori: 20:10, 6th place
I’m never a fan of coaches using the whole Energizer bunny comparison, but oh my goodness you have this ability to just grit it out forever without stopping. That was one impressive race full of heart and confidence and just plain fortitude. You’ve had a terrific and consistent season and on Saturday you really made a statement about the future of LBHS XC. I can’t wait to see you next year! 

Liv: 21:22, 30th place 

You are incredibly tough. That one got hard and I know in your head it got really hard. And, yet you battled and battled and battled some more. And, you still found a pretty impressive kick up the hill and into the finish. Yes, the struggle was real but I hope you’ll give us a chance to keep working on it together because I always believe in you.

Stella: 22:08, 45th place
It’s amazing to me that you can still finish as strongly as you do when you are actively vomiting. That could not have been much fun—and I’m sorry that happened—but you were such a dedicated teammate that you just kept pushing forward. I’m glad you are ok and I’m sure glad you are on this team. We’ll keep working on nerves and finding the right foods to keep your stomach settled and I predict big PR’s next season!

Keeley: 22:12, 50th place
You had such an amazing race going through 2.25 miles. You were right where you wanted to be and you were looking smooth and strong and you were crushing those downhills that had you concerned. And, then you panicked. I know you thought you had figured that out this season—and you had—but sometimes there is still more work to do. That’s ok. We’re all a work in progress, really, and the bravery you showed to still finish is noteworthy. You are an important and beloved part of this team for many many reasons—don’t forget that ever.

Lindsay: 22:15, 51st place
Congratulations on an awesome PR. Just like last week you took it out from the starting gun and you threw caution to the wind and just went for it. And, it totally worked, again. You had a great rhythm going and you really were in a racing groove with the people around you. You kept your eyes up and ahead and you trusted your legs to do the rest. I’m so happy for you! 

Lena: 22:51, 71st place
A solid State performance. You went right out with Cara Hutton from Manson and you did a great job sticking with her for a good long time. You moved up steadily throughout the race — but I still contend you can get out even more aggressively and your strength will carry you through. We’ll work on that next year and I think you’ll see that PR mark more often! Congrats on running in your first state XC meet! 

Boys Overall: 8th Place (211 points). 16 teams. 154 total runners. An improvement by 39 points and 2 places over last year -- and by all measures we are headed in a VERY positive direction for the next several seasons. We graduated no one, raced three freshman (with two more VERY capable options waiting in the wings) and have an excellent crew of rising ninth graders all cued up for 2020. That being said and very factual, there was also an excellent (dare I say) “vibe” this year’s team that we really came to appreciate. Its fun having fun - as long as the coaches aren’t talking J - and finding that common ground for a posse of freshman and a few older fellahs isn’t always easy. (Credit Eli and Kieren for being right in the middle) And it’ll be really sweet in 2020 if we can field a team that runs the gamut grades 9-12. Enjoy the winter, run some when you can, and you will hear from us again with summer plans this spring!

PS If we had run four freshman, we would have been the only team that young. Only two other teams had 3 freshman running, and likewise, only two other (different) teams are in the enviable position of graduating zero seniors.

Travis: 17:03, 21st place, Overall pace: 5:29
So nice Travis! Just like last week you put yourself in play early and competed late for some valuable points and another near podium finish. Liam ran 17:03 in 2013 or 2014 and and finished 6th! In a fast field you held your own. You ran level-headed and you crushed it on that final hill. Great job all season as well with the warmups and the race day leadership. We sincerely hope that you’ll be back again for more in your senior year, and I look forward to seeing just how high we can climb on that podium with a few more pieces in play for 2020. Have a great ski season!

Ian: 17:21, 34th place, Overall pace: 5:35
Ok, so you didn’t totally bust one like I'd hoped, but you're body is still taking on a lot in the transition back and its going to click in a major way at some point soon. You did get a new PR and you hung tough through the middle part of the race. Like you said, a brief lapse in attention and that little gap opened up between you and Travis. Still, a great return to action this entire season and I’m sure that you’ve raced/run yourself into some pretty good shape for the coming ski season. Thanks as well for jumping into the captain’s role and for helping to lead such an auspicious crew of youngsters to an overall very successful year. Hoping that you’ll be back again in your senior season and I’m pretty certain that you and Travis both can set your sights on some sub-17 5k times, plus designs again on a podium finish at State. 

Isaiah: 17:49, 58th place, Overall pace: 5:44
Congratulations Isaiah on such an excellent freshman XC season. Sarah and I are so pleased to be your coaches and you did an excellent job of setting aside the occasional nerves and really showed yourself to be an excellent, speedy, and reliable runner all season long. Yes, the first mile of the State meet was a tiny blip, but again your rallied and the experience is one that will help you in years to come. Your ceiling is high, and the future prospect for this team go right along with it. LOTS of fun, fast and team-oriented running to do in the next few years. I know it’s finally basketball season, but I already can’t wait for fall!

Jackson: 18:08, 73rd place, Overall pace: 5:50
Mission accomplished! 1.) you PRrd in every race this year. 2.) in doing so you nearly closed the gap on Graham’s best time of the year and got us some incredibly valuable points in that middle part of the race, and 3.) you successfully completed you freshman season of LBHS XC fashion as our 5th man at State in only your second varsity race of the year!!!!!! Such a great job of not getting rattled. So much poise and patience and guts. You just ran. You just competed. Thanks so much for being a part of this team and we’re already looking forward to next season!

(Tristan photo on the way!)

Tristan: 18:32, 101st place, Overall pace: 5:58
Part two of the dynamic Schmekel duo and you two did such an awesome job in this meet that we really didn’t skip a beat after losing Graham on race day. Your first sub-6 min 5k on a tough and hilly course in your freshman year at State? Awesome stuff! Really impressed with your consistency and grit all season long. And you are only going to get stronger and more capable in the next few years ahead. I know that basketball starts soon, but I’m already looking forward to fall to see how high this team can go!

Oliver: 18:59, 123rd place, Overall pace: 6:07
Just like last week, you made this race for Tristan and bought us some valuable points in the middle 3rd of the race. It hurt on the hills, I know, but you handled them better then several District competitors and you finally won the battle as well over Manson’s #7 (who finished just back of Kieren in 19:09)! Congratulations on an excellent season, your first State meet, and your first year of Liberty Bell XC. We sincerely hope that you and your family are here to stay and that we can get you back out next fall. Have a great ski season (with plenty of XC fitness to get you started) and we’ll see you on the trails sooner than later!

Kieren: 19:03, 134th place, Overall pace: 6:08
Without a doubt, an even more awesome race then your “throw down” at Districts! Out in 5:52 and you just held strong! We so appreciate as well your willingness to jump right in at the last minute. No visible rattle. No worries. Something clicked this season and your last three races have just been ON. Thanks as well for keeping things loose and for upping the Spikeball game to PRO. I know that sometimes I could seem a little annoyed with all of the ballin’ but it kept you guys loose and it really does look like a lot of fun J Congrats on a great sophomore season and I can’t wait to see what more you can do in the junior year.

***

State Meet Time Trial

Date: 11.8.19

Liam: 5:32 at one mile, 11:22 at two miles, 17:56 finishing time, 5:47 average
You definitely got off the line well, and did a good job finding your stride in the first half mile to set yourself up for a quick first mile time. On the long downhills you really lengthened out and stayed calm around the corners, working the hills all the way through the half way mark. It looked like you definitely slowed down a bit on the long straightaway up the hill, which is definitely understandable since you were running by yourself, but it definitely cost you a bit of time on your second mile. On your third mile it looked like you were really struggling at parts, with your stride getting a bit uneven and, dare I say, lethargic even. But you kept your eyes up on Carter, which I think helped pull you along through the parts of the course where you needed to engage, and despite your mile being a bit slow, you were able to rally for the finish. You did a better job of warming up this time, but it looked like maybe you hadn’t set a very definitive race plan, or at least you didn’t quite stick to the plan you had set. All of this is stuff to work on next year!

Erik: 5:53 mile, 6:04 second mile, 6:09 third mile, 18:40 finishing time, 6:00 average

You surprised us a bit by actually warming up before this years TT. That walk/jog with the team plus a little extra stretching and some buildups at the start are decidedly more than your usual pre-TT approach... and apparently it makes a difference! You felt WAY better than expected over that first 800m and took the sub-6 initial mile in relatively good sprits. Carter and Liam pulled away from you pretty quick, but that was predictable and thusly didn't freak you out. There was a certain aged confidence in your pace and those occasional 4-6 x 2:57 800m Tempo workouts have been at least a little helpful - even it you're not running quite as much as you might like. The second mile unfolded just about as expected, with that long straight away after 1.5 taking some concentration, but the first ascent to 2mi not really seeming all that bad. Great downhills for recovery and a reset of the tempo, but important to keep on rolling. At this point you could see that Liam wasn't pulling that much farther ahead, plus a few other time trialers on the course gave you people to chase. You didn't catch anyone -- well maybe one (it's hard to remember) -- but even just that little bit of extra engagement in that final mile was a huge help towards pushing through to the finish. It was also awesome to know that your 2mi split just 11 seconds slower than the first, and even better the 3rd mile (which did feel harder and take more work for sure) just 5 seconds slower than the second! All-in-all some great take-aways to share with the team. Run through those ups and around all of those corners. The new course is pretty fun, and looking forward to watching you crush it again in 2020!

2019 District 5/6 State Qualifier

2019 District 5/6 State Qualifier

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 Boys: Congrats on accomplishing the season’s primary goal of a 10th consecutive year of state meet qualification! In the 1B/2B classification, this is second only to NWCL, and if today’s performance is any indication, our run should continue a few more years to come! Awesome, awesome race! 9 of 11 5k PRs on the day (almost 10). One single point from Trout Lake in 2nd place, and Liberty Bell XC is making some unexpected noise for a young-ish squad in a rebuilding year. Super excited to see you all race again next weekend and already looking forward to 2020!

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!

JRH Okanogan Highlands League Championships - 10.26.19

Okanogan Highlands JRH XC Championships

Location: Liberty Bell HS/JRH

Date: 10.26.19

General Notes: Congratulations! This was an excellent day of racing and you all showed why LB has been so successful this season. A lot of very tough racing, with many people having their fastest mile splits of the year, and everyone was pushing hard through those windy stretches and when the course got quiet. Those hills were very quietly tricky, and I’m very proud of how hard you all worked through them!

The course was 1.5 miles, and all averages are calculated accordingly. Just so everyone can remember, the girls had a score of 15 points and the boys had a score of 16 points, so fantastic work! The winning times last year were 9:37 for the girls and 8:23 for the boys.

Thank you all for an amazing season! I couldn’t have asked for a better start to my coaching career! I wish you all the best of luck in whatever your next endeavors are! Remember, track is right around the corner! Go Mountain Lions! GRRRR! 

JRH GIRLS



Marta: 6:45 at one mile, 10:31 finishing time, 7:01 average
You got out to a really fast pace, tying your fastest mile of the year! Then you did a good job of holding on despite the fact that you were running by yourself for a very large portion of the race, pushing yourself all the way through. Then, after working hard through the back stretch, you really kicked it into gear at the finish and flew to the shoot!



Mia: 7:33 at one mile, 11:32 finishing time, 7:41 average
You got out to a fast mile, only 3 seconds off your season best, and then were still able to hang on to your pace to the end. I think running with Zoe helped you in the last half mile, because you two were really moving coming into the final stretch. Then, once you got to the tree, you turned it on and were able to put just enough distance between the two of you!

Zoe: 7:37 at one mile, 11:34 finishing time, 7:43 average
You had a stellar race! Not only did you get off to your fastest mile split of the year, you also ran your fastest average pace of the season! That is no easy feat to do at our course. You were running so fast that you caught up to Mia and the two of you were able to cover serious distance! All the hard work you’ve put in this season paid off on Saturday!



Leki: 6:17 at one mile, 9:38 finishing time, 6:25 average
Despite the fact that you weren’t feeling on your A-game, you still ran an excellent race, even having a faster time than last year! This was your fastest pace for any race except Omak this season, which is no easy thing to do. Running with Dashe always seems to help you, and once again your speed at the finish is what separated the two of you, so way to dig super deep and crush it out!



Dashe: 6:17 at one mile, 9:39 finishing time, 6:26 average
You stuck to your usual strategy of running right with Leki for as long as you could, and it pulled you along to a huge improvement on last year. You went about 28 seconds faster in fact! Your first mile was fantastic, and you held tough all the way to the finish, giving your all on the final kick and flying down the final straightaway.

JRH BOYS



Mac: 5:21 at one mile, 8:16 finishing time, 5:31 average
You really got out to a blazing fast start, taking the early lead and propelling yourself to your fastest mile of the season. Way to go for it! Then, even though you got out so fast, you were able to maintain contact with Will once he caught up to you gave him a serious chase the entire way into the finish. Nice job having a plan and going all in on it!



Bradyn: 5:42 at one mile, 8:49 finishing time, 5:53 average
You had an amazing race, putting up not only your fastest mile of the season, but also your fastest average! That is truly incredible! You did that while running alone for quite a good portion of the race, but that didn’t deter you at all because you kicked it into gear at the finish and tore through the final stretch! Fantastic season this year!



Tristan: 6:08 at one mile, 9:24 finishing time, 6:16 average
You had a great first mile, only a few seconds behind your pace at Omak, just like you put as your goal, which is awesome! It looked like you got a bit of a push from Damon, but you were able to hold him off at the line. Overall, you had another very consistent race like you’ve been doing all season, going out hard and finishing even harder! So glad you decided to run this year!



Damon: 6:12 at one mile, 9:25 finishing time, 6:17 average
Wow! You went out in your fastest mile of the season, and then just held on all the way through to the finish! You had your mind set on accomplishing your goal, and you were basically there! This is not a fast course by any means. Way to shift gears at the end and fly past that runner, chasing Tristan down all the way to the line!



Sam: 6:17 at one mile, 9:40 finishing time, 6:27 average
This was your fastest mile of the year, and it couldn’t have come at a better time! You tucked in tight into that head wind, and pushed through those long straightaways really well. Then, when it came time to turn it on, you kicked really hard and pushed all the way through to the line! Fantastic race and season this year!



Raiff: 6:18 at one mile, 9:41 finishing time, 6:27 average
You got off to a blazing start, and put up your fastest mile split of the season on Saturday! Nice job! It looked like staying in contact with Sam, which is something you hadn’t done before this year, really paid off because you stayed pretty solid through the last half mile and then kicked it out at the finish, generating some solid speed and with great form!

Malloch: 9:03 at one mile, 13:59 finishing time, 9:19 average
You had an excellent first mile, coming in only 3 seconds behind your season best at Omak which is incredible on this course! Even though you were by yourself for most of the race, you ran really hard and kept pushing yourself all the way through to the line. I’m so excited to see that your season of hard work really paid off here at the end as you’ve been making great constant improvements all year!



Kaden:
I know the race didn’t end like you wanted to, but there was still a lot of amazing things you did on Saturday! You went out really hard, and then held on to your pace for as long as you physically could, which is an incredibly difficult and tough thing to do. You showed a lot of grit, just like you have all season, and this doesn’t take away from how much you’ve improved over the last two months!



Will: 5:25 at one mile, 8:14 finishing time, 5:29 average
You did a fantastic job of developing and executing your race plan, sticking to it all the way through, and it paid off! You had a pretty fast first mile, only a few seconds off of Omak, and then when you had to dig deep to catch up to Mac you did, putting the finishing touches on at the end with your kick. That propelled you to a 50 second improvement on last year! Congratulations!



Aksel: 5:35 at one mile, 8:34 finishing time, 5:43 average
You got off to a great first mile and then were able to hold on to your super-fast pace all the way through to the finish. You were even able to close the gap of Chase, finishing only 5 seconds behind him, which I believe is the closest you’ve been all season. That’s amazing! Overall, you managed to improve on last year by 43 seconds!



Kyler: 6:23 at one mile, 9:47 finishing time, 6:31 average
You got off to your fastest opening mile of the season, and then did a great job of holding on to your fast pace. Running with Landry again seemed to help in the last half mile, and then you were able to hold him off at the finish to improve on last year by 12 seconds! That is excellent! Nice job running hard all season, and rocking those crazy heeled shoes.



Landry: 6:27 at one mile, 9:49 finishing time, 6:33 average
You did an excellent job of moving up on the competition through the last half mile of the race, closing the gap on Kyler after the mile, and holding off other runners. That’s fantastic! Then, when you had to kick, you kicked hard and put up a time that was 12 seconds faster than last year. That’s great improvement and I’m so glad you ran this year!



Conrad: 7:59 at one mile, 12:14 finishing time, 8:09 average
You really went for it out of the gate, and put up your fastest mile split of the season. Then, when you needed to, you held tough and pushed hard through the last half mile, which is honestly the most difficult part of the course. You held off Connor, and had a great race in the meantime. Nice job on this race and with the entire season!



Connor: 8:14 at one mile, 12:28 finishing time, 8:19 average
You went out very fast, tying your fastest mile split of the season, which is excellent! Then you were able to hold that pace very well through the last half mile despite running by yourself, so that shows that you really know your pace and can focus internally. At the finish, you switched gears and got down that hill and across that flat as fast as you could. Nice job on a great season!

Liam: 5:33 at one mile, 8:24 finishing time, 5:36 average
You did a pretty good job of getting out fast then holding onto your pace despite running by yourself. It looked like maybe those hills were a bit longer than you thought, because you weren’t quite getting that “up and over” mentality that you usually have. Also, next time let’s try to remember to really take your warmup seriously so that you’re ready to go right off the line. Nice job though!

League Championships 10.23.19

League Championships

Location: Wapato Point Resort, Manson, WA.

Date: 10.23.19  

Results Link -- they still can't seem to post the boys JV. It was up briefly and then down again.

Girls Overall: Congratulations on your 5th League Championships in a row! That’s a pretty awesome legacy you are building and you definitely set a high bar for other teams to aspire to. Many of you had to race alone or with just one or two people near year, but you kept your focus and displayed great mental fortitude. We know the day wasn’t perfect for all, but in general we saw lots of strength, speed, and confidence, along with a healthy dose of joy. We will just keep building on that next week! It was a gorgeous day for some gorgeous running!



Gretta: 1st place. 19:38. First mile: 5:57, Overall pace per mile: 6:19
Super powerful performance. From the first 50 meters you were at full race speed and just going strong. You made all the right turns and kept the rhythm rolling right along. You set a great example for your teammates—you worked hard, went for it, and were rewarded with your second fastest time on the season. You are doing just what you need to do to be ready for a great end of the season.

Jori: 2nd place. 20:39. First mile: 6:24, Overall pace per mile: 6:39
You looked so good and peppy! Your first mile was about the same as at Hole in the Wall, but this time you found your signature next gear at the mile mark and you held so steady. Your face and arms looked so much more relaxed than they have in a few weeks and you just seemed to be in a quick-feet rhythm (perhaps it was the house hunting?). It is good to see you running free and easy like that—let’s just do that again next Wednesday!



Keeley: 3rd place. 21:37. First mile: 6:28, Overall pace per mile: 6:57
This was one tough performance. You got out about 8 seconds faster than at Hole in the Wall and then you found yourself all alone. There is a time when that might have messed with your head, but you really rallied and you found a way to keep it positive and keep those strong legs propelling you forward. You should feel SOOO good that you battled that and won. (And just for the record — a more than 1:30 improvement over Leagues last year...what a difference!).

Stella: 4th place. 22:28. First mile: 6:56, Overall pace per mile: 7:14
It is just so satisfying to watch you run the second half of a race. This was a totally different race set up than you’ve seen the last few weeks, but you still found a way to take strength in passing people in the second half. You especially ran that uphill on the second lap with power and confidence and it feels like that was a turning point. Next week there will be two Trout Lake girls and one girl from White Swan right in your racing pace and that will be fun!



Lena: 9th place. 23:23. First mile: 7:06, Overall pace per mile: 7:32
I know you wanted to try going out a little slower than at Hole in the Wall, but I think it meant you missed keeping contact with the people you want to be racing. You got gapped early by Cara Hutton and others and though you worked hard, it was just too much to make up. I’d like to see you give a little more and then trust your training, fitness, and mental commitment to give you the push you need in the second half. You are ready!

Lindsay: 10th place. 23:51. First mile: 7:07, Overall pace per mile: 7:40
A solid performance—you are consistent and strong. We’ll need you to bring back that fire in your eyes you had at Hole in the Wall to these next championship races. You can run with the Manson, Bridgeport, and Oroville runners who were ahead of you today. Make sure you get out with them on Wednesday and then narrow your focus on racing them!

Payten: 3rd place JV. 25:06. First mile: 7:29, Overall pace per mile: 8:05
Perhaps a little too much pressure to feel like you needed to do something different. That’s ok. Good to get it out of the system now. You’ll be freed up next week to just get back to running with confidence and joy. No pressure. And, remember, you were still almost a minute and half faster than Leagues last year. What a season! Keep the loop in your head repeating that good stuff!



Kierra: 2nd place JV. 24:34.06 First mile: 7:30, Overall pace per mile: 7:54
Awesome to have you take the line with your team and a smile. And, even better to have you report afterward that you were happy. Let’s take the same approach next week. Our goals are happy, relaxed, and feeling good!

Ayeanna: 1st place JV. 24:33.79. First mile: 7:38, Overall pace per mile: 7:54
You had a terrific finish — so terrific, in fact, that I once again think we can encourage you to push it a little bit more a little bit earlier. You don’t have to necessarily take off like crazy at the line, but I would like to see you decide to start changing gears earlier...like maybe on the start of the second loop at Moses Lake. You’ll feel even better next week with that cold behind you and I predict very good things! You got this!

Liv: A smart choice to not push it and finish with a fever — and you proved to yourself that you can take the line even when the set up is not perfect. Stay focused on those positives, stay gentle with the talk in your head, get lots of rest and hydrate and you’ll be ready to fly again!

Lydia: Some days just don’t flow right. Sometimes we know why and sometimes we don’t. The best we can do is accept that this happens and come back for another try. I believe in you 100% and I think you are going to like the Moses Lake course.

General Boys: Manson 30, Brewster 45, LBHS 54. Just 10 points from 2nd, and we have next week and State to claw some of that back. With Trout Lake added to the mix we are in a definite hunt but also a battle for those top four spots. And that being said, we can definitely do it but we’ll need to keep our eyes on the target. A little more work the end of this week. A little rest and easy preparation in the next. An excellent job matching up with Brewster and Manson at Leagues and the formula for success at Districts will be very much the same. Stay loose. Have fun. But let’s get it done! 

BOYS VARSITY



Travis: 6th place. 17:29. First mile: 5:20, Overall pace per mile: 5:38
A great job getting out and into the hunt. Strong and steady right from the start and there is more where that came from in the race this week in Moses Lake! A great race as well down to the wire with Brewster #2. To certain degree, make that a focus again for Districts and you have every potential to be mixing it up with Manson #2 as well. There will be a few extra boys up front with runners from Trout Lake, and the front runners from Bickleton and Tri Cities Prep. That being said, the front of the field will be somewhat similar. Good, fast racing ahead and pretty exciting actually to have our League and District meets be really quality competitions in preparation for State. With four teams ranked in the top 8 a good battle in Moses Lake sets us up well for the following week.

Ian: 8th place. 17:41. First mile: 5:20, Overall pace per mile: 5:41
Likewise excellent work in throwing yourself right into the heart of the race up front and extra props for doing so on a day when you didn’t feel 100%. Great to have you and Travis tight again at the mile and also awesome to have these two freshman teammates dropping major points for us just behind. A good mark for you this coming week will be Manson #3. On a good day you and Travis can both win that battle and keep us tight to Brewster #2 as well. Expect to feel better in the two weeks ahead. You’ve been pushing hard all season after jumping back in to the racing groove at the start of the year. A great recipe for a jump at the end of the year with a little rest!



Isaiah: 10th place. 17:44. First mile: 5:23, Overall pace per mile: 5:42
A gritty middle to end part of the race and you rallied when it counted in a major way. Your fastest first mile of the year and right where you need to be this coming week as well. Awesome to see you just back of Manson #4 and SUCH tough racing in that final mile. We know that it can hurt out there, but you are dealing well and finding the right motivation at all of the right times. A few more racers in the mix this week from Trout Lake should give you guys a little more company and competition, but hanging close to Manson #4 and ahead of Brewster #3 and #4 is a clear and perfect way to approach this race. And bust a move with that smooth and easy track speed in the final mile at Districts. Its an excellent course for a speedy finish!

Graham: 11th place. 17:51. First mile: 5:29, Overall pace per mile: 5:45
Another new PR and great to see you right up in there with Isaiah and not far back from Ian. SO great and important to the team scoring to have you four tightly bunched, and having you in front of Brewster #3 is and awesome goal worth repeating again at the District meet. A few more runners from Trout Lake in this time range should make the racing even tighter, but keep doing just what you are doing and the State meet is within our grasp. You and Isaiah currently rank 4th and 8th among freshman in the state. Bickleton’s #1 runner, also 9th grader sits two freshman spots ahead of you in 17:48 – so another good mark for the District meet.



Oliver: 26th place. 19:01.99! First mile: 5:43, Overall pace per mile: 6:08
An official time of just under 19:02 (to follow-up a 19:23 and a 19:11) and you are knocking on the door of sub-19. Another very nice race and an important 5th place for us in keeping the team race as tight as possible. I know that you were aiming for a 6:10 1st mile, but getting out a little quicker was important in a smaller field like this. You ran the race that needed to be run and you had the strength to finish. You stayed close enough to important points ahead of you and led a rally for both you and Tristan past runners from Tonasket (and almost another from Manson) in that final mile of the race. Great job again and I’m excited to see what the start of a taper a little more rest can do for Districts!

Tristan: 27th place. 19:07. First mile: 5:44, Overall pace per mile: 6:09
Another gritty race and another PR performance. Great to see you bounce back from the side-stitch at Hole in the Wall, and you dropped another 15 seconds from the very strong Twilight race. Nothing special to do at Districts, just stay relaxed and keep racing tough. Remember that feeling when I shouted “18:46” before that final kick. That one little push changed gears at an important time. Use a similar motivation to hang with a pack or to bridge a little gap to the next runner mid-race. You can dig and you can race even when it hurts. Awesome job all around and excited to watch you guys go after a 10th consecutive State meet appearance on Wednesday! 

BOYS JV



Jackson: 1st place. 19:05. First mile: 5:37, Overall pace per mile: 6:09
Ready. Set. Go! Jackson, SUCH an awesome job in embracing that goal of winning this race – and just simply going for it. Nothing special to do in the race at Districts. Just more of that smooth and steady speed and the “go for it” attitude that you brought to the line this week. It’ll be fun as well to see you racing with some closer competition and you should have an excellent shot at dropping even more time for your first-ever sub-19 5k.

Kieren: 8th place. 20:38. First mile: 6:30, Overall pace per mile: 6:38
Another quick and steady outing. You and Eli are working great together early and you found some speed in those legs to win the kick at the end with the runner from Brewster. End result: a new season best and personal PR by 20+ seconds. Nicely done and your fastest course of last year awaits! A similar outing this week

Eli: 10th place. 20:41. First mile: 6:31, Overall pace per mile: 6:39
Knocking more time off of your current season best, remember that last year at Leagues you ran 21:10 on the 3mi home course. At 20:41 for the latest 5k you are definitely in the hunt for a new PR this coming Wednesday in Moses Lake. Keep the teamwork with Kieren going and try to mix it up for a little more lengthy contact early with the crew from Brewster. You guys closed on them well in the second half of the race, but with a little more rest this week you should feel ready to run with them early and have a few more to pass in the second half.



Kellen: 12th place. 20:57. First mile: 6:31, Overall pace per mile: 6:45
Once again a stellar outing. A no-holds-barred approach to that first mile, and you’ve pretty much obliterated the cautious early-season Kellen that set some goals that were quickly smashed. Good for you! Racing almost always hurts, but you’ve adapted well to the 5k scene and you’ve found some ways to smile through the pain. We hope it feels good. Excellent job knocking down that PR by almost another minute!

Carter: First mile: 5:45. A little under the weather, but really glad to hear that your feet were feeling better. We hope that is the case coming back to practice on Friday and that your lungs are recovered as well with a few days rest. Ideally, we get that 18:26 version of Carter back into form these next two weeks. Racing like that comes from the heart. Dig deep and turn that brain into competition mode!