The boys’ cross-country team favored from a beneficial change when the

rules for District and State qualifications changed. “It was a needed change to even out the District teams,” said Coach Shannon Stenger. “[Also] to make sure the best teams run against each other at the State Cross Country meet.” In previous years, the state had sent the top runners in each district to State. This

gave the Titan runners an unfair chance for a State title, as some of the boys’ times were faster than other district’s top running times. The rules changed to improve each top runners’ chance of running in Districts and State. Senior Thomas Taylor said that the rule changes gave the runners “more confidence going into [state].” Throughout the season, South’s runners had a different problem to worry about other than qualifying for the State meet. Creighton Prep challenged the Titan runners in a battle for the first place State title. “It was an interesting battle throughout the year,” said senior Nick Bailey. “Throughout the season, the battle was very evenly fought. It was good for the team because everyone needs a little push.” Stenger also shed a positive light on the competition. “It was a great battle that pushed each team to reach new levels in training and during race time.” Although the team fell in second place to Prep, the runners were not put down. “The competition was really strong,” said senior Zach Owings. “The drive, just the fuel for fire, just constant wanting to beat the team and prove that we’re the best.”

Nick Bailey (12th) races at districts. “My favorite part of the season was Saturday morning practices,” Bailey said. “In speed workouts, the track streamed with early morning fog. These were my favorite workouts.” photo by Matt Stoss.

Thomas Taylor (12th) races at districts. “It was challenging to stay together as a pack and push through the hard parts,” Taylor said. The work paid off, however, with the team placing first at districts. photo by Matt Stoss.

Amber Stinson (12th) races at the district meet. The girls team finished third in the race. photo by Matt Stoss.

Bailey White (10th) runs in a JV meet. “My

favorite part of the race is being able to

see my teammates and getting the chance to

cheer them on,” White said. photo by Abby

Currie.

Clare Maday (11th) races in metros. photo

by Abby Currie.

Carl Thon (12th) races in the metro meet. “I just love the environment and kids that are in Cross Country,” Thon said. “There is the feeling of a good community.” photo by Abby Currie.

season stats

Race to the Top

team effort

state qualification changes and team rivalries drive boys team

although cross country is viewed as an individual sport, it takes a team to win a state title

38 39layout by matt stoss & story by nikki williamsoncross country

#1

#4

JV

20

girls team in the state

in the metros

girls team was undefeated

lady titan medalists

“It really depends on how you’re doing that day. You have to push yourself so your teammates can feed off of your energy.”

“People don’t think it’s a team sport, but you still have to be in the mentality that everyone is im-portant. You have to lean on and encourage each other.”

-Anna Milton (10th)

Also pictured left to right:Carly Bindl (11th) photo by Matt Stoss, Madison Fraley (9th) photo by Matt Stoss, Andromeda Goldberg-Jones (10th) photo by Abby Currie, and Cameron Lawrence (9th) photo by Matt Stoss.

photo by Matt Stoss.