True Grit was the phrase of the day for all the boys and girls who competed on the battle-worn course of Smokey Glen Farm yesterday (15th). The competitors who earned the most praise for grit and toughness: the OPEN GIRLS. Just when they had arrived after their ceremonial walk-up to the Start lines, a fierce downpour hit. Spectators and other runners scattered for cover in the pavilion. Not one girl moved from the line. Tough guy and Starter Dan Wooley stood in the rain waiting for the signal from the race crew, as we had to scramble to cover up the CHIP timing equipment so it would not short out. The OPEN girls hit the rolling hills and proved their toughness.
VA's Girls Team win (top 10 scored) was led for the second straight year by the PATRIOT DISTRICT All-Stars: 7 of the scoring VA girls were Patriot District runners.
The boys seeded race was the tightest race in our short 3 year history. Le Degfae (Edison) and Cory Puffett (DeMatha -- MD) were stride for stride over most of the 2nd 2500m loop. Only in the last 30m did Lee have enough to edge out Cory Puffett.
Congrats to all competitors. Thanks to the parents and coaches who have supported our effort to celebrate running cross country.
--Battle XC Staff
Thanks to Dave Watt for all he has done to make this a great event. Challenging course, good location and great food. Having the drumline on site was a great addition!
SUPER JOB VA!! Congrats!! Now, on to McAlpine Park and beyond! Keep up the simple formula of one meet/event at a time. Enjoy the moment and remember that dreams can and often will come true, as long as leadership continues to remain consistent in ! At times one has to remember to erase and reset enroute to meeting/exceeding specific goals and expectations! "It matters less how you start, it's how well you finish (Coach AK Johnson, VA Hall of Fame Track and Field Coach, formerly of TC Williams Sr. High)." Believe me, the FORMULA works!
The results continue to speak for themselves. Don't ever forget to be super achievers (study,comprehend,and train accordingly to facilitate proper EXECUTION on race day! It can become Pavlovian-smile (thanks Isaac!). Exercise the discipline necessary to yield results that are unforgettably priceless as you continue to navigate life's timeless cycle! 1,2,3, 4, 5, positioning, control breathing,form, recognize real time situation(s) and respond accordingly, all the way through the finish line!! You know who I am referring too-smile!! Great job again-Take care.
***In my opinion (given all things considered)research these options in no particular order: Arkansas, Tennessee, North Carolina, Texas, Stanford, Abilene Christian, Michigan, Alabama, Villanova,Colorado, Georgetown, Seton Hall, Florida, NC State, and/or Oregon. Just thoughts...You know who I am talking too! I am soooooo proud of all of you!!!!!!
Please excuse the written errors! Just got finished watching the dissapointing outcome of the Redskins game and decided to log on to milestat to ease my frustrations-lol!! Gotta love SPORTS-smile!!! Anything can happen on any given game day!! Hopefully they will be able to "erase and reset" to advance through the playoffs (extremely hopeful Redskins fan)!
