And one final note!

Just in case you can't get enough on the XC running front, the WIAA recently posted the finish line footage from all of the State meet races. You can see both our girl's and boy's finishes below (sorry, no sound) and you will probably see the other classifications easily enough with a YouTube search. Kind of fun to see how close some of those finishes actually were:

And speaking of finishes, the NCAA II Men's XC Nationals race is well worth a watch. I promise that you will be very surprised by how it all turns out. Sometimes you just never know. Nothing is decided until the end and you just have to run the race:

Enjoy your winter and we look forward to getting the band back together again next fall -- plus track for some of you in the spring :) 

GRRR!!!

Erik, Sarah, Liam & Haida 

State Meet! @ Pasco, WA - 11/6/21

RACE COURSE: 5k. Sun Willows Golf Course. A rolling golf course terrain with firm fairway footing and a ton of good atmosphere and State Meet vibes. The quieter, opening mile is followed by a second and third mile loop and a long downhill finish into the shute. Mid 40’s and humid/damp at 8:30 but the weather improved by the hour. Great racing conditions for both and even more clearing and mid-50 degree temps for lunch at the end :)

VARSITY GIRLS: 77 Finishers. Second place team with 59 points! PJP2 1st: 46, St. George’s 3rd: 89, Garfield-Palouse 4th: 102

OVERALL: Well, I’d say you surprised quite a few people out there--perhaps even a few of you! What a great day. Excellent, patient racing, and a real focus on just having fun and seeing what we could do. You each gave everything you could in this one and it paid off big time with an outstanding 2nd place overall. How did we go from tentatively wondering if we could qualify for state as a team to standing together on that podium holding the runner’s up trophy? We worked hard, we trusted each other, and we took all the pressure off and remembered it’s just fun to run. What a pleasure to coach each of you. Congratulations on a really remarkable season.

Leki: 19:40.4, PR, 2nd place. 1st mi: 6:15 (5), 2nd mi: 12:44 (3), Overall pace: 6:20
A truly brilliant race--you did everything you needed to do to set up a decisive 2nd place and a big PR. Nice job getting out just fast enough to keep up with the pulse of what was happening, but not so crazy fast that you couldn’t push that second mile. Which you did. It was so great to see you pump up those little hills by the tree and make things happen. And in mile 3, you just dug down deep and kept the pressure on. It was simply a thing of beauty to watch all your hard work and dedication come together on this day.

Jori: 20:34, 7th place. 1st mi: 6:18 (8), 2nd mi: 13:05 (7), Overall pace: 6:37
You’ve entered a very small group of Lady Lions who podiumed each year of their high school racing career. That says so much about you as an athlete -- to stay healthy enough, inspired enough, and frankly gutsy enough to reach that level every year is a testament to your strength, hard work, and racing bravery. And, on this day, you brought all of those traits plus some super senior powers to the line and once again you raced smart and hard every step of the way. Things got stretched out there in the last mile, but you kept your own tempo going and held on strong. Congratulations on a super solid LBHS running career. Can’t wait to hear about your skiing successes this year and beyond!

Dashe: 21:02, 11th place. 1st mi: 6:26 (16), 2nd mi: 13:18 (9), Overall pace: 6:46
I don’t think I can describe in words how excited I was to watch you run this race. So well done. You were patient at the start and got out into just the right spot and then you moved up so well between mile one and two. You looked in charge and confident as you just kept passing people one at a time. I’m not sure what it felt like in your head and body, but it sure looked like you found a rhythm and you just let yourself be with the race. I know you are looking forward to turning in those running shoes for some ski boots -- and I look forward to having you speed past me on the trails soon -- AND I hope you’ll want to come back out again. You are a pleasure to coach and so much fun to have on the team!

Payten: 21:41, PR, 23rd place. 1st mi: 6:52 (35), 2nd mi: 14:02 (27) , Overall pace: 6:59
Let’s consider your journey. Freshman year you never broke 25 minutes for 5K and, if my memory serves, you did more observing than participating in team activities. Fast forward 3 years. Now you are finishing in the top 25 at State, running as the 4th runner on the 2nd place team, running more than a minute per mile faster, AND playing a crucial role in giving this small but mighty team a positive mindset. I’m absolutely convinced that your enthusiasm for this race and this course on Friday’s walk through set the stage for all the goodness that followed for everyone on your team. Thank you. What an honor to get to be a part of your emergence.

Ayeanna: 23:01, 42nd place, 1st mi: 7:12 (46), 2nd mi: 14:51 (44), Overall pace: 7:24
One of my favorite lasting memories of this very memorable day is watching you run up to your parents and Grandma as we arrived at the course and then watching you find them at the finish, after you had just run a really excellent State race. Both times, you were simply joyful. That so sums up what you bring to this team. No longer an uncertain freshman, you showed up aware of the challenge ahead and totally ready to face it head on. You soaked in every bit of coaching and teammate wisdom you could and then you ran so smart and calm and steady and fast. While, selfishly, I wish I had another year to coach you (because I think you are just finding your XC racing confidence), I know you have a whole world waiting for you -- and what a lucky world it will be to benefit from your kindness, wisdom, and joy. May you always remember what you accomplished this season, and may it inspire you to always reach for more than you might first think you are capable of.

Sandra: 25:06, 61st place, 1st mi: 8:02 (70), 2nd mi: 16:21 (69), Overall pace: 8:05
If I had a magic wand that I could use on only one runner at State, I would wave it over your leg and give you the chance to have run the race we all know you could have had. I’m so sorry that the district race left you hurting. It’s just plain unfair. You were poised for a sub 23:30 performance for sure. Nevertheless, you refused to be deterred by your pain and you ran one very gutsy race out there. You still moved up 9 places throughout the race and you still found your classic fast finish. Thank you for your perseverance and for being on this team. You absolutely earned your share of that 2nd place trophy. Can’t wait to see what you do on that course next year!

Zoe: 25:08, 63rd place, 1st mi: 8:15 (73), 2nd mi: 16:38 (70) Overall pace: 8:05
There are so many good things to say about this race. Your first time at State and you didn’t let the hype rattle you at all. You greeted the inevitable nerves and then tucked them aside to run your race. You moved up 10 spots over the course of the race and once again ran a faster second half than first. And, that finish -- it was amazing. I could go on and on. But what I want to say, and what I hope you hear and hold close, is that you are a runner. You know what hard work looks like and you don’t shy from it. You know how to keep your mind positive. You know how to shift gears and respond to a race. You know what it means to be on a team. I’m glad you are a runner on this team -- and I am so excited to watch you continue your huge arc of PRs next season.

BOYS: 112 Finishers. State Champs with 50 points! PJP2 2nd: 96, Chewelah 3rd: 107, St. George’s 4th: 115. Finish places: 2-16-17-19-23-42-67 Scoring: 1-10-11-13-15-29-50

OVERALL: The last (and only other) LBHS boy’s team XC championship was in 1998. In that race we scored 68 points. You guys had a feeling that you could do this, and you went out there and ran like you meant it. No one else attacked. No one else took a risk to run for the front. No one else put themselves in the position to win this. Congratulations on a really excellent effort and thank you again for making this such a fun group to coach!

Will: 16:37, 2nd place. 1st mi: 5:10 (2), 2nd mi: 10:36 (1), Overall pace: 5:21
Super solid all year long, and you capped things off with a toe-to-toe, push-to-the-end race vs the defending State champ. You put yourself at the front, confidently took a measure of pace and effort vs. potential, and you now hold the second fastest LBHS State meet 5k time and the highest-ever individual finish by any Liberty Bell XC runner. I’m 100% confident that all things being fair and equal, you are just getting started! Congrats on an excellent 10th grade year and on setting a high bar for both yourself and for others on this team.

Carter: 17:32, 16th place. 1st mi: 5:15 (10), 2nd mi: 10:57 (10), Overall pace: 5:39
Your second best time ever - just 3 seconds off of that Twilight PR - and first time as our second runner. That was a terrific race! Pushing that pace the first two miles definitely seems to work in your favor. You are strong from hours on the bike and you can fight through the hurt at the end. You may have dropped a few spots in the final 800m., but it was a calculated risk that served your teammates well and put us totally in charge of the race. Your efforts on the front to get Graham and Isaiah up into competitive spots in that top 20 were more than worth it. I’m sure as well that seeing all of the yellow blazing ahead put a LOT of early fear and uncertainty into the heads of PJP or St. George’s. Congrats on your first state meet and an excellent season all around!

Isaiah: 17:35, SB, 17th place. 1st mi: 5:18 (16), 2nd mi: 11:09 (16), Overall pace: 5:40
Your 3rd best 5k ever and a season best at just the right time. Super steady and well-paced. You picked an excellent spot early and you hung tough in there all the way through. Something clicked these last three weeks, and it’s been really fun to see you excited and confident about both your own individual and team chances to stand atop that podium on Saturday afternoon. It was SO fun to watch (I have to say that again) and I am excited to see you all recognized for your efforts as well. Congrats on an excellent junior year and thank you again for doing such a fine job of leading this team. Lowest team score ever in 2022? I would not put it past you guys! Have a great basketball season and I’m excited to watch some games :)

Graham: 17:44, 19th place. 1st mi: 5:14 (9), 2nd mi: 11:08 (15), Overall pace: 5:42
Not how you pictured this I know, but such a solid effort after a week of feeling under the weather. You looked super strong in that first half for sure. A few more days and you probably crank that second half just as well. It’s a testament to our strength as a team that we still put 5 in front of PJP’s #2 and they should thank you for being sick and not making it even worse. Sub-17 will have to wait, but the first LBHS State Championship in 23 years is pretty darn sweet regardless. Sam Naney was a freshman that year (1998) but either didn’t run or didn’t make varsity until his 10th-12th grade years. The team was 2nd in each of those efforts 1999-2001 so you all can make it a goal to get at least two in a row. Congrats on an excellent junior year all around and I’m so glad that you and Carter came back out for the team.

Aksel: 17:52, 23rd place. 1st mi: 5:28 (34), 2nd mi: 11:24 (26), Overall pace: 5:45
However you feel about your time, this was an excellent race for your first-ever State meet. You got a little separated from Isaiah early, but you didn’t panic, did your job and moved up, passing 11 other runners enroute. For whatever times are worth at this point in the season, you were 43rd on the performance list… and finished 23rd in the race with 41 of those same 43 runners! You crushed it for your team!! Faster times and 16min efforts will definitely happen in future years, but this was an awesome Aksel-style grind with steady racing start to finish. Congrats on an excellent sophomore season and I can’t wait for track!

Jackson: 18:16, SB, 42nd place. 1st mi: 5:36 (54), 2nd mi: 11:35 (41), Overall pace: 5:53
Your 2nd best 5k ever and a season best by 26 seconds. You beat everyone else’s 5th man and the 4th man on all but two teams (PJP 40th and St. George’s 39). You also moved up 12 places from the first mile to finish! That’s one more than Aksel, and it’s just simply tough, gusty racing. Appreciably, our margin of victory was such that Will could have dropped out half way through, and we still would have won the race based on your 5th man performance. Congrats on yet another inspired State meet performance and thank you as well for taking on a leadership role with stretching and other things in this excellent junior season. Have a great basketball season and I’m excited to have you guys back again one more time for senior year!

Tristan: 18:55, SB, 67th place. 1st mi: 5:43 (68), 2nd mi: 11:58 (66), Overall pace: 6:05
Your 3rd best 5k ever and a season best by 24 seconds! The best 7th man overall and better than every 5th man in the field even (except for PJP and St. George’s). That being said, you and Jackson BOTH packed points onto every team who’s 5th runner you beat, thusly extending our margin of victory into impressive territory by all manner of analysis. At times your shins were frustrating, I know, but you showed terrific poise in dealing with and working through the pain. It would have been easy in that scenario to tuck yourself away from the team, but thank you as well for rising to the occasion and for sharing that positive attitude and perseverance in tag-teaming with the captain duties. We could not have asked for a better group of leaders or a better overall ending to the last two seasons of XC running. Eighth-to-first in the last two years of covid-compromised athletics is no small feat and a pretty great thing indeed. I really look forward to having all of you guys back out again in that fast-approaching senior year. Congrats again and have a great basketball season!

Kyler and Tristan: Thank you all very much for being ready and willing to go at the drop of a hat. You were present and supportive in all the right ways: A good and boisterous heckling of the other teams across the hotel courtyard :) - warming up and prepared just in case - willing to grab gear and to cheer on your teammates - and finally right there in the end to enjoy the thrill of the first State Championship in 23 years! This is a race that you will run for sure in either 2022 or 2023. Tuck that experience away and take it out again when you need it. Congrats on a great year!

Boy’s D6 Qualifier @ Okanogan Golf Club - 10/27/21

RACE COURSE: 5k. A slightly adjusted start but the first mile in the same place? Fast grass again and a great fall afternoon in the mid 50’s.

OVERALL: Another excellent all-around performance leaving no doubt whatsoever who is the team to beat in District 6. Another solid warmup and good preparation. Some excellent pack running at the start and some individual mental toughness to fight through a rough patch or two and to put this one in the books. We did our jobs; we made it back to State. A few more days of tune up and rest, then we get to see how far up on that podium we can be. It’s gonna be a dogfight, but you all have as good a shot as anyone!

VARSITY: 45 Finishers. 6 complete teams. Liberty Bell 17, Brewster 46, Tonasket 81, Manson 113, Okanogan 119, LR 130 1:10 spread.

Will: 16:50, 1st place. 1st Mile: 5:25, Overall pace: 5:25
A perfectly balanced 1st mile > final pace on a course with two long hills and running totally solo. This kind of result is perfect testament to just how much you know about changing rhythm on the flat vs hills and for being able to push yourself across the length of a race -- even when totally on your own. You got out strong and held steady. Next week you will get a Race! You’ve looked super solid and confident all year. State should be a fun repeat of races like Twilight and Wenatchee. Grrr!!

Graham: 17:39, 2nd place. 1st Mile: 5:35, Overall pace: 5:41
Another great race Graham and this time your strength at the end took the prize over Juan David’s decision to follow Will out early and to push the pace. Remember that feeling too on the course next weekend. The first mile will be quick, but you can also hold just a wee bit back and feel good about having TONS of people to pass in the later stages of the race. In 2019 State did run something like 10-25 seconds faster than our races at Twilight -- and that puts you right in that 17:00 range where you will have loads of company. Exciting stuff!

Isaiah: 17:39, 3rd place. 1st Mile: 5:38, Overall pace: 5:41All systems go at just the right time! Really excellent racing today Isaiah and a seriously impressive and well-fought second half in chasing down Aksel, Carter, and Juan -- almost even getting Graham at the end. You were close, but not quite on the group to start that second lap, but you made steady progress and made it happen in that final 400m again to the finish. Contact, contact, contact. Keep believing in yourself over those middle sections of the race and give yourself a chance at the end by staying close enough to roll with the strength that you know is there. State will be a little more crowded for sure in that opening stretch, but find your teammates early, keep it close at the mile and keep that focus all the way through. Can’t wait to watch you guys race on Saturday!

Carter: 17:54, 5th place. 1st Mile: 5:35, Overall pace: 5:46
10 seconds faster on a slightly longer course and tough running once again in this final tune up before State. You are running great and that pack of you and Aksel and Isaiah is tough as they come in our match-up with other teams. Expect some good races with St. George’s #2-4 and probably the same from PJP2. How we match up in some critical 3rd to 5th positions makes all the difference. I feel lucky to have you guys on this team and truly believe that we’ve got the better pack. Some taper and turnover on tap for the week. I’m excited for you and Graham to get to run in your first-ever State XC meet!

Aksel: 18:00, 6th place. 1st Mile: 5:35, Overall pace: 5:48
Not your ideal feeling, I know, but considering the sandwich perhaps a little too close to race time, your effort out there was basically the equivalent of our earlier Okanogan race where you actually felt really good. You are ready to drop some serious time and to mix it up late in the race at State. Spend the next few days excited about your best races of the season. Capture that feeling and that energy. That’s what you want on the line in Pasco and you are ready to go!

Jackson: 19:12, 11th place. 1st Mile: 5:47, Overall pace: 6:11
You finished in front of a Riverside Christian boy who ran 16:39 and finished 10th at the State meet in his sophomore year. Not every race can go exactly as you hope, but I know for sure that you will be excited this week and that you will have all of the motivation that you need to have your best race of the season and to walk away with your head held high no matter what the final team result. Important and favorable matchups for us regarding 5th-7th runners from both PJP2, St. Georges, and Asotin. We will give you some things to focus on for sure and know that you are stronger than ever -- totally ready to crush it this weekend!

Tristan: 19:37, 15th place. 1st Mile: 5:51, Overall pace: 6:19
Out in near the same pace as last time but with an obviously longer first mile given that adjusted start. That being said this was just one more workout effort and a stair step along the way to the big dance in Pasco this weekend. At SO many meets this year the job for you and Jackson has been a little less than clear. That changes this weekend when we are so closely matched with several other teams and our depth and ability to displace a 5th or 6th runner from some other group could be a difference maker in the race. You and Jackson both hold an edge over 6th/7th runners from St. Georges and Asotin who will both be breathing down our necks in the team scoring. We’ll make it clear who they are and where they are as the race unfolds. Bottle that feeling from the awesome interval days you had just a few weeks back. You are ready to go!

BOYS JV: 9 runners.

Kyler: 20:18, 1st place. 1st Mile: 6:29, Overall pace: 6:32
I can’t say enough about this impressively paced race with you and Tristan both running from the front and having to drive things totally on your own. The fact that you were only 8 seconds off a PR is really phenomenal, since basically this was an intersquad time trial with you and Tristan running side-by-side. Sorry to tease about the “battle royal” but it only felt right because I knew that you would triumph (Little T, the smart $ was totally on you!). Either way, a little extra motivation never hurts. Congrats on a great season and I know that if you are called upon at State then we are totally in excellent and capable hands!

Little T: 20:27, PR, 2nd place. 1st Mile: 6:29, Overall pace: 6:35
Awesome Tristan, and a really nice exclamation point on a terrific freshman season! I mean you still get the job of being a second alternate at State next weekend, but your consistent work and obvious potential for a nice 5k PR all came into play. More time to drop was definitely on the table if it had been a more crowded race, but you and Kyler did an excellent job of pushing each other just enough to keep the race moving. With a 6:29 opening mile and an avg. pace of 6:35, you guys barely fell off at all on an otherwise lonely and kinda quiet course. That didn’t happen, and it was great that you could push each other even when it might have been easy to cruise. Also, a full minute faster than the last time we ran here -- and it was longer!

Mali: 22:30, PR, 5th place. 1st Mile: 6:53, Overall pace: 7:15
A new PR by 50+ seconds and nearly 1 min faster than your race just 5 weeks earlier. A terrific job in pushing yourself through the middle of that race and especially in sticking with the kids from Cascade Christian who did give you a little bit of some company and a challenging race at just the right time. More spike racing in future years for sure! You looked smooth and focused at the start and even in a less than crowded race moved up well past one person and another until there was no one left to pass. Congrats on a great freshman season Mali and we look forward to having you back on the team in 2022!

Taro: 23:19, 6th place. 1st Mile: 6:52, Overall pace: 7:30
Another solid effort Taro, and as you said the other day you have definitely found some toughness and guts in your running that probably didn’t exist at the start of the season. A quick early mile and ideally with a little more time and a few more days a week of running you will see your average pace and opening mile even out just a little more. You have tons of upper body strength in your arms and just like in our hill workout before Moses Lake, you can surprise yourself a bit with how easy “faster” can feel if the cadence in your arms helps to drive the pace. Congrats on a great freshman season and I hope that we’ll see you back in 2022!

Madison: 24:16, 7th place. 1st Mile: 6:58, Overall pace: 7:49
Maybe not your day exactly with your leg still sore and hurting, but you were still about 1:10 faster than during our earlier race at Okanogan, and this course was longer by just a little bit. Tough as well that the race was so small. Most of your best races in the past two seasons have come with a good solid group in your pace range what could help you push through the quieter and harder parts of a course. Over all in your first full XC season consistency was a big improvement over the 5 week season in the spring. Hopefully we’ll get you back again fo some major PR dropping in your final senior season!

Hunter: 29:34, PR, 8th place. 1st Mile: 9:14, Overall pace: 9:31
Flat out terrific! Such a different, quiet race where you really had to pace with just yourself -- but you ran nearly 4 minutes faster than you did just one month earlier, and that is quite an accomplishment for sure. Basically every mile was 50-60+ seconds faster. You’ve gotten stronger, learned how to push, and also recognized a little more about what is race pace effort vs what is just getting out there for a run. Impressed as usual with your humility and your get the job done approach. Congrats on a terrific sophomore year and first season of XC running. We sincerely hope that you will join us again in 2022!

Girl’s D5/D6 District Qualifier @ Big Cross International XC - 10/29/21

RACE COURSE: 5k. Big Cross International XC Course. A mix of dirt and wood-chipped trail. Several solid hills and a looping, dedicated XC venue. Sunny and fall-like. A light breeze but overall pretty nice conditions.

OVERALL: Seems like the right place to start is with a big CONGRATULATIONS! District champs and headed to State! That’s pretty amazing, since there are just 7 of you and when we sat together at the lunch tables in early September, getting to State as a team seemed like a goal we weren’t quite confident about saying. Look at you now! You all deserve to take that line next Saturday and it will be a pleasure to watch you race that course with the best competition in the 1B/2B division in the State. Soak it up and love every minute of this really unusual lifetime experience!

VARSITY GIRLS: 31 Finishers. First place team with 18 points. Tri-Cities Prep second with 42.

Leki: 19:52, 1st place. 1st Mile: 6:16, Overall pace: 6:24
You just got right down to business, taking control from the opening gun and then racing hard the whole way. Nice job lowering the PR by a few seconds (on a much harder course than Twilight) and hopefully proving to yourself that you are a sub 20 5K runner. You did an excellent job working the uphills and finding a nice quick float on the downs. While next week’s course doesn’t have any climbs quite like that, there are a few hills that you will really dominate. You are ready for this state meet -- you’ve done all the right training, you’ve kept your mental perspective positive, and you’re headed back to Pasco with a whole team of awesome young women. You’ve got everything you need for a really amazing state debut. Just don’t think too much about it and relish all the pomp and circumstance.

Jori: 20:31, 2nd place. 1st Mile: 6:23, Overall pace: 6:36
I’m getting all misty-eyed thinking that I only get to write one more race report about you. I must admit I’ve just sort of become used to getting to write a short paragraph each week about how you have pulled out yet another solid, gutsy performance. You race hard and I admire that. Whether it is a big meet or a small meet, you show up ready to go and ready to not let up. You had to do a lot of work alone today on a hard and lonely course, but you are seasoned enough now, you know what to do. Your consistency through the years has been astounding and something I hope you are really proud of. Take that line with Lion Pride one more time next week and just let it rip. You’re ready to finish big.

Payten: 22:19, 6th place. 1st Mile: 6:45, Overall pace: 7:11
That sonic boom was heard across the state -- what a big impact you just had! Just one second off your PR from Wenatchee and 16 seconds faster than a fast Twilight course. And, you’re doing all this nursing those hip/shin injuries. You’ve done an excellent job handling the frustration of needing to bike while others run and saving your running for the key workouts and races. I know this is not easy - but it is really paying off. You know you’ve got the grit to dig deep and you are running with a new sense of joy. It’s just plain fun to watch. One more run with friends next week. Keep riding this wave.

Dashe: 22:47, 7th place. 1st Mile: 6:52, Overall pace: 7:20
That was not the race you wanted and I’m sorry about that. It’s really rough when your stomach rebels and honestly the fact that you stuck with it and pulled out the race you did is a testament to your determination and loyalty to your team. I hope you let those characteristics be the things you take away from this race and that you know your teammates and Erik and I value you way beyond times and places. You matter to this team not because you finish in a certain spot or beat other teams, but because you are Dashe McCabe -- our future drummer rockstar, the one person who regularly laughs at Erik’s puns and jokes, and just an overall amazing person who works hard, cares about her team, and can make the most amazing animal noises that get us all belly-laughing. I have every confidence that next week you’ll feel better AND that we can find a way to just enjoy the sheer privilege of getting to run at State. No one needs you to perform any certain way next week -- we just need you to be Dashe. Because that is enough.

Ayeanna: 22:55, 8th place, 1st Mile: 7:02, Overall pace: 7:23
Oh, yes! A 10 second PR over Twilight -- which is arguably quite a bit faster of a course. You are totally coming on strong right at the right time of the season. You will most definitely not be alone next week at State and when you get in a pack to race, I suspect you’ll really surprise yourself with how fast and strong you are. You did such an excellent job getting out on that hard first mile and then working hard all the way through the middle. You had an excellent rhythm going and you just looked so confident. One last race in the green uniform -- it’s going to be a good one.

Sandra: 23:33, 10th place, 1st Mile: 7:29, Overall pace: 7:35
What a smart racer you have become. This race, in particular, you seemed to know exactly when and where you wanted to make your moves and you so brilliantly just moved from pack to pack. 10th place --- that’s phenomenal! You raced hard all the way to the line and you beat all of Tri-Cities Prep runners but one. This was a 13 second 5K PR on a much slower course than Twilight. Wow. You are a good runner on a good team. Enjoy that!

Zoe: 24:31, 17th place, 1st Mile: 7:47, Overall pace: 7:53
Oh my goodness...Zoe is unstoppable. You were flying down that last hill, windmilling those arms and just so confidently charging to the finish line. And, while you’ve always had a great kick, you’ve also learned to give a bit more in the opening mile and remain confident that you can endure the pain of racing hard for the full 5K. You did such a truly inspiring job of pushing yourself early and really racing with the people around you. This is a HUGE PR and I hope a big confidence booster for you. You go to that line next week knowing you earned your spot.

Middle School League Championship 10/23/2021

 League Championships – 10/23/2021

 

Course Length – 1.5 miles

 

General Notes – The course is mostly flat through the first mile then rolls up and down through the last half mile. The footing is either grass or soft dirt which does tend to slow down the times a bit. At race time, the weather was in the high 40's to low 50's with some sun coming out later in the day. Almost all of the middle schools in attendance were from our league.

 

The girls won with 21 points. Manson was 2nd with 45 points. There were 3 teams and 45 athletes in the race.

 

The boys won with 31 points. Bridgeport was 2nd with 33 points. There were 4 teams and 39 athletes in the race.

 

Wylie – One mile: 7:22. Finish: 11:02, 9^th place. Average: 7:21.

You showed a lot of strength at this race and ran an extremely well paced race! I think your calm attitude gives you great focus during your races and the energy to leave it all out there. That combination really sets you up for a fantastic race – finding a rhythm running with your teammates and the drive to compete with those around you!

 

Maren – One mile: 7:24. Finish: 11:23, 14^th place. Average: 7:35.

Wow, what a stellar race! You had a fast first mile and then continued to stay steady even through that hillier last bit. That shows a lot of determination! I think the combo of nerves and excitement beforehand helped you get into the zone and find a big PR. An amazing improvement, despite having to run some sections by yourself. Nice job!

 

Nina – One mile: 8:12. Finish: 12:35, 28^th place. Average: 8:23.

I know you wanted to get a faster mile split, but I still think that your ability to find motivation within helped you have a strong race. You continually do a wonderful job working with a group of teammates through the whole race, which I think helps you find the extra “oomph” for the finish. I can’t wait to see what the next cross-country season brings for you!

 

Violet – One mile: 8:37. Finish: 13:06, 35^th place. Average: 8:44.

Awesome job! You ran your fastest race yet! That’s a superb way to end the season. You may have looked calm and collected through the race but internally you were giving it your all. I think it was smart that you ran your own race in the beginning and didn’t go out too fast, this allowed you to run more evenly and dig in deep at the end.

 

Kylie – One mile: 9:04. Finish: 13:58, 43^rd place. Average: 9:18.

Great job at your first XC race! You might have gone out a little fast, but I think that your excitement for this race helped you find energy throughout the whole thing. You did a fantastic job of running with your teammates in the beginning and even though you had to run that tricky last half mile by yourself, you found motivation within to finish strong. 

 

Bodie – One mile: 5:40. Finish: 8:36, 2^nd place. Average: 5:44.

That was a tough race! You went out in your fastest opening mile (yes, even faster than at Omak) and managed to hold on. Plus, that was with you knowing that you had not one but two soccer games coming up right afterwards. Impressive! Every time we race we get a little better at laying out a plan. I know you're well prepared for a stellar high school career!

 

Ben K – One mile: 6:12. Finish: 9:13, 3^rd place. Average: 6:08.

It was so great getting to watch you race this year and this weekend! You've consistently been able to go out and then get faster towards the end. That was especially true on Saturday. What's even more impressive is that you were running those times without the speed work! That just means you can only go up!

 

Keller – One mile: 6:41. Finish: 10:07, 12^th place. Average: 6:44.

You went out pretty fast, but that only seemed to help you, as you had a much faster pace than two weeks ago. That's a lot of improvement in a short amount of time! This was actually your fastest average for any course other than Omak, which is saying something. Nice job putting in the work this season and good luck with you next adventure!

 

Marcel – One mile: 7:14. Finish: 10:53, 19^th place. Average: 7:15.

Talk about peaking at the right time! That was your fastest average all season, and you looked so strong during the race! You were super consistent from start to finish and managed to hold your own on the hilly section. As always, nice job running in a pack and finding your speed!

 

Wyatt – One mile: 7:29. Finish: 11:06, 22^nd place. Average: 7:24.

I know you were a bit nervous going into the race, but you stayed on top of things and had a great run! You've always been great about running with your teammates, and Saturday was no exception. It's so exciting to see how much more confident you've become in your races. Good luck next year!

 

 

Girls:

 

Posey – One mile: 6:43. Finish: 10:30, 3^rd place. Average: 7:00.

 

Anja – One mile: 6:51. Finish: 10:36, 5^th place. Average: 7:04.

 

Taylor – One mile: 7:12. Finish: 10:47, 6^th place. Average: 7:11.

 

Ingrid – One mile: 7:09. Finish: 10:50, 7^th place. Average: 7:13.

 

Ava – One mile: 7:23. Finish: 11:03, 11^th place. Average: 7:22.

 

Josie – One mile: 7:24. Finish: 11:41, 15^th place. Average: 7:47.

 

Elsa – One mile: 7:51. Finish: 12:04, 20^th place. Average: 8:02.

 

Freya W – One mile: 8:07. Finish: 12:11, 21^st place. Average: 8:07.

 

Elaine – One mile: 7:53. Finish: 12:12, 22^nd place. Average: 8:08.

 

Juniper – One mile: 8:12. Finish: 12:17, 24^th place. Average: 8:11.

 

Alida – One mile: 8:12. Finish: 12:30, 26^th place. Average: 8:20.

 

Freya P – One mile: 8:12. Finish: 12:33, 27^th place. Average: 8:22. 

 

Yasmin – One mile: 8:00. Finish: 12:41, 29^th place. Average: 8:27.

 

Clara – One mile: 8:32. Finish: 13:09, 36^th place. Average: 8:46.

 

Bailey – One mile: 9:04. Finish: 13:48, 42^nd place. Average: 9:12.

 

Cora – One mile: 13:11. Finish: 20:42, 45^th place. Average: 13:48.

 

Boys:

 

Landon – One mile: 6:21. Finish: 9:38, 7^th place. Average: 6:25.

 

Oliver – One mile: 6:35. Finish: 10:00, 9^th place. Average: 6:40.

 

Ben N – One mile: 6:40. Finish: 10:03, 11^th place. Average: 6:42.

 

Hugo – One mile: 7:12. Finish: 10:55, 20^th place. Average: 7:16.

 

Sawyer – One mile: 7:13. Finish: 11:02, 21^st place. Average: 7:21.

 

Luke – One mile: 7:17. Finish: 11:15, 25^th place. Average: 7:30.

 

Liam – One mile: 7:40. Finish: 11:50, 28^th place. Average: 7:53.

 

Orlo – One mile: 8:18. Finish: 12:02, 30^th place. Average: 8:01.

 

Kimball – One mile: 8:18: Finish: 12:28, 32^nd place. Average: 8:18.

 

Dylan – One mile: 8:31. Finish: 13:15, 33^rd place. Average: 8:50.

 

Elliot – One mile: 10:25. Finish: 15:41, 38^th place. Average: 10:27.

 

Coaches

 

Haida – One mile: 7:05. Finish: 10:40. Average: 7:06.

They say consistency is key. I think you showed that! Congratulations on your first race in a while! The minimal training didn't seem to slow you down at all, as you powered up those final hills. Plus, you blew away your goal! That is certainly something to celebrate and build upon next year!

 

Liam – One mile: 5:43. Finish: 8:38. Average: 5:45.

Well, that was definitely a rust-buster! You went out a bit faster than you planned, which seems like it might have slowed you down a bit in the later part of the race. That's ok! That's why we have these races so that you can build your experience. Next time, you know what to expect. Also, way to warm up this time! It really seemed to help!

 

 

Twilight Track Two Mile @ LBHS - 10/22/21

RACE COURSE: 3200m. LBHS track. Under the lights. Everyone at once. Music played at a solid volume and coaches + a few parents cheering and running around a bit like normal :)

OVERALL: Awesome! Boys basically reset the LBHS track 3200m “top 10” record book with Will now 3rd, Graham 7th, Carter 8th, Isaiah 9th and Aksel just outside the top ten in 11th. Jackson and Tristan’s efforts also place them in the top 20 all-time. On the girl’s side, Leki and Jori sit just behind (basically tied) with Sadie Bjornsen’s 12:11.54 in 6th and 7th, and Dashe, like Aksel, is just outside the top ten in 11th place.

 
Impressed with how prepared everyone got with an excellent warmup, skips etc.. Perhaps the music helped, but for sure those were the best skips and strides that we have seen all year. You were ready to get after it, and the end results show that you are primed and ready for an excellent championship phase of the season ahead.

Great job to all and off we go to Districts!

Will 10:09.80
Graham 10:42.90
Carter 10:43.17
Isaiah 10:44.17
Aksel 10:51.90
Jackson 11:16.99
Tristan 11:21.31
Leki 12:11.92
Jori 12:14.89
Kyler 12:27.00
Lil’ T 12:27.64
Dashe 12:35.06
Payten** 6:33
Mali 14:04.83
Kierra 14:16.37
Ayeanna 14:16.71
Madison 14:24.91
Sandra 14:25.34
Zoe 15:39.22
Hunter 16:48.89

To the best of my knowledge, these are 3200m PRs for everyone, and to Payten’s recollection, it was the first time that she has run a timed mile under 7 minutes… and she crushed it!**