For this the boys cross country team, their main goal towards the end of the season was to make it to state, and they did just that. They consistently showed their dedication through hard work and determination. After qualifying for state last year, they went into this season thinking it could possibly be a rebuilding season. Even though there were a lot of top runners on this team that graduated last year, the Vikings refused to let that deter them from their large aspirations this season.
Throughout the season they worked on leadership and became better as a team, and after doing so, placed 13th at state.
For cross country not getting in your head is key to performing their best.
“If you’re not in the game mentally, you’ll run a lot slower,” senior Caden Fure said.
Fure and the other top runners on the team helped lead the team back to qualifying for state. A personal goal for Fure was to achieve a personal best time of 15:55.
The constant drive that these runners have for improvement fuels both the returning veterans of the team and the younger athletes stepping into varsity roles that are new to them.
Proper nutrition and hydration are critical so their bodies feel race-ready all the time.
“I also just watch what I eat, make sure I’m drinking enough water throughout the week and every day, hitting protein volumes, all that. And then also just giving it my all at practice and seeing what my coach says,” said senior Phoebe Gibson.
qualifier finish
The girls team had a strong season but were unable to make it to the state meet.
Senior runner Tavion Siu said that while last year’s team qualified for state comfortably, this season’s path would require more hard work, and most of all, determination.
“There was never a doubt in my mind that we’d make it to state last year,” Siu said. “This year, there’s definitely going to need to be a lot more work, but I’m starting to think now that we might have a solid chance if the right people step up.”
Throughout the season, Viking runners built confidence over time and bonded as a team.
“We just believe that through our competitiveness and our team bond, we can do really good things,” senior Madden Esclamado said. “If you were to ask me three years ago where I’d be, I would’ve laughed. I didn’t have the confidence in myself my freshman year to do what I’m doing right now.”
As the season progressed and came to an end, Vikings tested their confidence and limits to make sure they maintained good times and worked on state qualifications.
Lake Stevens continues to prove they are made for the state meet with great mindsets and team-building skills and consistency. The boys team made sure to always finish and stepped up to the idea of making it to state.
