News Summary

The Salida High School cross country team kicked off its season at the Arapahoe Warrior Meet on August 29, showcasing impressive performances across all races. Under the guidance of Coach Kenny Wilcox, both the boys and girls teams exhibited significant improvements, with standout athletes achieving personal bests. The boys’ team secured a title in the freshman/sophomore race, while the girls’ team shone with multiple top finishes. As they prepare for their next race in Alamosa on September 6, the Spartans are poised for a promising season ahead.

Salida High School Cross Country Team Kicks Off Season at Arapahoe Warrior Meet with Remarkable Performances

Salida, a charming city nestled in the heart of Colorado, witnessed a thrilling start to the cross country season as the local high school team took part in the traditional Arapahoe Warrior meet on August 29. This annual event has been the go-to season opener for the team for nearly two decades, and this year did not disappoint!

A Sneak Attack Against the Competition

Head coach Kenny Wilcox stressed the excitement that comes with this particular meet. It wasn’t just any race; it was a strategic opportunity for his athletes to take on larger 4A and 5A schools. In fact, roughly one-third of the cross country team participated in their very first high school 5K race, with some experiencing the thrill of cross country competition for the first time. The spirit of camaraderie flourished as freshmen Rion Good and Phoenix Joslin pushed through their inaugural races, thanks in large part to the support and leadership of senior teammate Henry Horne.

Realizing Potential and Achievements

The day was filled with remarkable performances, and Coach Wilcox highlighted an important message: recognizing the potential within each athlete to tackle challenges that may have once seemed insurmountable. In a historic achievement, the Salida boys’ team clinched a team title during the freshman/sophomore race, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.

Standout Performances

Leading the charge was Jackson Shomion, who not only finished first in his race with a time of 16:49 but also contributed significantly to the team’s overall score of 67 points. It was a thrilling sight as fellow sophomores Lincoln Baxter and Charlie Boyle battled it out, crossing the line in a dramatic photo finish at 17:48, with Boyle narrowly finishing 14th and Baxter closely behind in 15th. Notably, Baxter’s performance was celebrated as a dramatic improvement from the previous season.

Typically in cross country meets, scoring is based on the finishes of a team’s first five runners, with a sixth runner serving as a crucial tie-breaker. In this meet, junior Cole Shively also shone bright, clocking in at 19:47, which was an impressive decrease of 2 minutes and 41 seconds from his last season’s time, finishing 37th in the junior/senior race.

The Girls’ Team Shines Bright

Meanwhile, the girls’ team also made a strong impression, achieving top 10 finishes in every scored race and even securing a third-place finish in the junior/senior race. Junior Ani Deshazo jumped ahead of the competition by improving her time by 3:03 from last year. Senior Lily Beck also deserved a shoutout for her impressive finish in the top 20, especially considering her previous time had been over 30 minutes. However, the spotlight truly shined on Chloe Vallier, who made history by finishing her race in under 20 minutes, joining an elite group of Spartans who have accomplished this feat in past seasons.

What’s Next for the Spartans?

With the first meet wrapped up, the team is already gearing up for their next race scheduled for September 6 in Alamosa, where they will face even more exciting challenges in varsity races. Coach Wilcox is buzzing with enthusiasm about the team’s potential to grow and improve through future training partnerships.

Clearly, this season promises to be an exciting chapter for the Salida cross country team, showcasing athleticism, teamwork, and a drive for greatness. Stay tuned to see how this spirited group further paves their way toward success!

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