With the dream of placing in the Top 10 nestled in their dyed blonde hair, the LSHS Boys’ Cross Country Team are on their way to State in Pasco, Washington. While the season has been plagued with injuries, wipeouts, and an underdog status, junior Noah Wallace stays optimistic and knows the team’s hard work will pay off.

“We have been putting in a lot of speed work since we have put in a ton of miles over the course of the season. Good speed work and keeping our bodies healthy and mental focus is what will make us ready for the state meet,” Wallace said.

But the journey to state hasn’t been easy. Injuries provided big challenges to Wallace, who was able to overcome setbacks that would discourage others.

“For me it hasn’t been easy, [due to] being injured for the first two months of the season due to a couple fractured ankles, being able to get back the endurance and speed I am used to has been a big turning point for me and my team,” Wallace said.

Although the team has rightfully earned their spot at state, it’s been an uphill battle. At a home meet Lake Stevens finished their meet with 68 points, with guests Meadowdale scoring 110 points and Monroe with 108 points. However, Wallace believes the team’s “underdog” status has only motivated them to push themselves.

“I believe we have the potential to do anything we set our minds too. We have been the underdogs all season and heading over to the east side of the state will be interesting to see how we stand with the best of the best, we can be a top 10 finishing team, it won’t be easy but we are ready and we have earned the chance to be there,” Wallace said.