The boys cross country team competed in states Nov. 4, placing ninth out of 20 teams.
Junior Holden Gohs finished 16th out of 182 competitors, with a time of 16:05. Gohs believes the team’s dedication and effort led them to success at the statewide race.
“Everyone worked at every race,” Gohs said. “We don’t wait until the post season to start working. We put in effort and get better throughout the entire season. By the time we get to leagues we know what we are capable of.”
Coach Eric Acton said the athletes showed tremendous teamwork throughout the season.
“They know exactly what they need to do individually and what they need to do for each other,” Acton said.
Senior Athan Young said he credits the team’s appearance at the state championship to his teammates and coaches. The team has seen success all season with a first place finish at both the district and league meet and a second place finish at the regional meet, he said.
Senior Solly McDow finished the race with a time of 17:04. McDow attributes the team’s success this season to their teamwork and preparation.
“I think we’ve got a big team of guys who just run for each other,” he said.
This past tournament was McDow’s fourth and final time running in the state meet, and of the years the team has gone to the state meet, he said this year is the best they have placed.
Acton said the key to a good season is building a good mileage base starting in the summer. Athletes should begin their training in the summer to be able to get into “race shape” as soon as the season starts, he explained. Acton added health plays a big role in the team’s performance.
“You can put in a lot of time and effort, but if you get injured or sick, it really throws everything off,” he said.
Several runners on the team, such as senior John Davies and McDow, run upwards of 45 miles per week, including practice plus additional weekend runs. Consistency in training is another key factor in the team’s success, assistant coach Jeff Landis said.
“The athletes have so much talent and ability, and they’ve been consistent with their training all season,” he said. “This is the moment they have been training for.”
