As always this year's State Track Meet was bittersweet. I am in awe of the time and effort these kids pour into track and the way they carry themselves off the track. They compete on the biggest stage and earn respect from their peers.
Then it's all over and our seniors are done. The indelible mark they leave on us all is amazing. How do you replace leadership, strong character, and a passion for running? These kids make coaching easy and fun. They make going to practice a complete joy and something to look forward to after a long day.
This Saturday's meet was run in less than ideal conditions. Rain and wind didn't dampen the spirit of our kids. They looked past all the distractions and competed as warriors.
John Hendricks and Tanner Morrow led the way. Hendricks crushed his own school record in the 3200M (2 mile) with an outstanding time of 9:43.85. His previous best was 10:03. Morrow erased the school's 800M record earlier this year (1:58.79) and in poor conditions still managed a 7th place finish in a time of 2:00.01.
Meredith Johnson broke her own PR in the 400M with a time of 1:02.01 while finishing 18th.
The Boys 4 X 400M Relay finished slower than their regional runner-up time but still managed 13th place in a time of 3:32.62. Runners on that relay were Gage Cousineau, Tanner Morrow, Evan Hughes, and Reggie Powell.
I tell this kids all the time, you don't have to win to be winners. Over 100 teams participated in the rain-dampened event and our Cougars faced the challenge and adversity and shined through it all.
Congratulations to all of our state athletes and for the boys finishing 38th overall.