The State of ND's High School Cross Country Championship race was in Minot this year. Minot has a difficult course - which includes a killer hill that the boys get to run not once, but twice! Jamison had been hoping for snow the day of the race, Lucky for the rest of us it was 70* and sunny. From a baby momma perspective, it was gorgeous! Jamison agreed.
The day started with a bit of team heartbreak. Two of their top 7 runners were too sick to race. One was a senior, and arguably their most talented runner. It was hard on everyone when the decision was made for the alternates to run.
The day started with a bit of team heartbreak. Two of their top 7 runners were too sick to race. One was a senior, and arguably their most talented runner. It was hard on everyone when the decision was made for the alternates to run.
However, these boys ALL faced the day with determination and grit. They all ran at or above their ability. CHS had an incredibly talented team this year. They made school history in many ways. They had the closest time separation between their first place runner and their fifth place runner, ever. The fifth guy in was only 22 seconds behind their first. They also had the highest placings ever for their fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth runners. In fact their sixth through tenth guys were so fast, had they been a team on their own they would have placed in the top 10 teams in the state. The team's depth was incredible!
As was their support for each other. These boys became really close this season. Distance running is a solitary sport in many ways, so seeing their team spirit and team work ethic was inspiring. They ran with much heart.
As an individual, I feel like Jamison had a break through season. In the second half of the season, he really conquered some mental demons. He developed a race plan and strategy that empowered him to race with confidence. He never gave up, even when he had a few races in a row that were frustrating. He pushed through and rose to a new level. I am so proud of him.
His state race was confident, controlled, and fast. He was within several seconds of his WDA time. The WDA course was flat and fast. The state course was rigorous. The fact that he raced at nearly the same time was commendable. He placed 29!
As a team they had hoped to finish 2nd. With the loss of 2 important runners, they finished third. In my mind it was the best state performance I have seen from a CHS team. All the boys ran well. All of them! There were no huge surprises and no disappointing performances. They were solid.
Some of my favorite stories of the day were of one teammate running the race of his career. He had been hurt much of the season, but pulled out all the stops at state. Jamison said when he saw him running in front of him near the finish he was so excited. He couldn't believe he was running so well, yet so very happy for both him and the team.
At the finish, Jamison said he first picked up one teammate who had collapsed at the finish just a few placing ahead of himself. He then turned around to help one of his best buddies get some water. This young runner is all heart. He was so exhausted at the end of the race he was nearly delirious. He kept telling Jamison that "I held him off JD. I held him off." The trainer brought him some water and Jamison made sure he drank. After taking a gulp or two the teammate said, "Jamison, can you hold the cup for me?" Yhis guy was too wiped to hold a cup of water. As Jamison said, "You can't ask much more of a guy than that!"
This same guy told him mom how thrilled he was that Jamison beat him. He is a true team player, wanting each team member to be the best they can be. Thankfully, Jamison will get to run with him again next year!
There they are - CHS' 2014 Boys XC team.
I am sad to see the season end!
I am already excited for next year - but it will be a whole different team. They lose many seniors. Since there were not any seniors during the 2013 season, losing team mates seems a bit foreign! I will miss those boys. Hopefully they drop by our house for a FIFA game or two next year! I have gotten a bit attached to a few of them!
Congrats boys on a phenomenal season. I am so proud of all of your achievements.
