Colorado State Championships in Cross Country 2013. Here's the weekend we've been working towards. Time to go to the Springs!
We have our work cut out for us. The Boys team is ranked 20th going into State, the Girls team is 18th.
(click on a photo below to enlarge it, then you can scroll thru that section by clicking on the right side of the photo.)
We have our work cut out for us. The Boys team is ranked 20th going into State, the Girls team is 18th.
(click on a photo below to enlarge it, then you can scroll thru that section by clicking on the right side of the photo.)
University High turns out for a quick, energetic pep rally to send the team on their way. It's much appreciated!
After that great rally, the team loads into the vans for the trip to Colorado Springs.
The team checks into the hotel, then goes to El Pomar fields for stretching, loosening up & a brief run.
The run is complete, now it's time for a little fun. Dale leads the team by shaking his booty, then Robert, Dale & Coach lead the team in more fun.
While the team has fun with the cheers, Colter does his best pop-up bunny imitation.
After all the exercising at the park, the team dresses up for dinner. Traditionally we celebrate with a great dinner & then some cake.
Team leaders voted that today is Jonah's birthday. Happy Birthday Jonah!!
After Jonah's birthday treat, the 'Dogs go back to the hotel for a team chat. Each runner receives a 5x7 photo and an inspirational set of quotes.
Team leaders voted that today is Jonah's birthday. Happy Birthday Jonah!!
After Jonah's birthday treat, the 'Dogs go back to the hotel for a team chat. Each runner receives a 5x7 photo and an inspirational set of quotes.
Saturday morning the team is up early (well, it's early for some of 'em!). We travel to the State site and start our race-day preparations.
The guys jog over to the Startling line, and Daniel sends a message for the team. We miss Isaiah & Eden's presence and we'll do our best for our teammates who couldn't be with us.
We have almost 30 minutes of warmups on the field, then line up for the start.
We have almost 30 minutes of warmups on the field, then line up for the start.
The guys get lined up - and the gun goes off. Here we go!
The Girls team gets out on the course to yell for the guys. They yell really, really LOUD!!!!
The guys run hard thru the hilly part of the course. This part is a real grinder - it takes all your energy to fight up & down these hills.
Finally the finish line is in sight. It's the final 100 meter sprint to the end, after an exhausting 3 miles of hills.
The guys make their way back to camp & start to regain their legs. It's time to rehydrate, get some light food into us & then get out to cheer the girls on.
The guys make their way back to camp & start to regain their legs. It's time to rehydrate, get some light food into us & then get out to cheer the girls on.
The Girls team loosens up, does their sprint-outs and gets to the line. It's an exhilarating time & the adrenaline is racing.
The Girls jump out at the start and fight to the first bridge on their way to the back-country.....with all the hills.
Each Bulldog fights her way up & down the hills. They're up to the test today!
Up the hill, into the stadium and the last 100 meter sprint to the end. Jenna is first in, setting a Bulldog record as the highest finishing female Bulldog runner EVER! A 19th place finish at State is quite an achievement! The Girls finish their sprint with all they have left, then head back to camp.
After the Girls team finishes, all the runners compare notes as they regain their strength. It's been a tough day, but another good one. The Boys team finishes in 16th place, as does the Girls team. Both teams out-do their rankings and finish strong. There are a number of seniors here today who will celebrate a successful close to their Bulldog Cross Country career. There are also a lot of underclassmen - including a number of freshmen - who just got their first taste of State. They'll be back, stronger than ever next year.
After getting some food & liquids back in us, we head for Hu Hot for some more nourishment & relaxation. Jonah celebrates his birthday again, and we head for home.
Congratulations to the Bulldogs Cross Country Team of 2013. Hope to see you all at the banquet in 2 weeks when we celebrate our season and enjoy some remembrances of the season.
After getting some food & liquids back in us, we head for Hu Hot for some more nourishment & relaxation. Jonah celebrates his birthday again, and we head for home.
Congratulations to the Bulldogs Cross Country Team of 2013. Hope to see you all at the banquet in 2 weeks when we celebrate our season and enjoy some remembrances of the season.