The 2A and 3A regional XC state qualifying meets were ran across the state on October 19, with the Lady Eagles being sent to Dike, Iowa, to compete on the Dike Country Club XC course. Fortunately, the weather provided the competitors with sunny skies and mild conditions.
I told the runners that this meet would be a learning experience as they were competing in their first district meet. The format is always the same but the level of intensity and competition moves to another level and only 3 teams and 15 top individuals qualify for state. The most important thing I wanted from them was to take in the surroundings, enjoy the opportunity, and be proud of their accomplishments this season remembering that XC is not just an activity, rather a sport building personal self-confidence in what you can achieve.
Alizabeth Page crossed the line first for the Lady Eagles with a PR for the season. Elizabeth Lopez being the second Eagle to complete the course. Lopez set high standards across the board the entire season. As a first time HS XC runner, the goal is continual dedication to improvement, buying into various aspects of training, and pushing yourself to the next level. I couldn’t be prouder of the dedication both girls have shown this XC season. Renee Withers attended an event at ICCC and was unable to run at the meet. Renee had a good five-day stretch prior to the district meet and it was unfortunate that she was unable to run at Dike course, as I know she would have achieved the goals we had set for her.
The state qualifier wrapped up the 2023 season for the Lady Eagles. As cross country coaches, we encourage potential runners to reach out to our cross country coaches and competitors regarding how it can be a life changer in so many ways including, but not limited to, improvements in health, building team unity, and academic success. Past cross country runners across the board will attest to how this sport was a life changing experience for them and pushing them to another level of success in life.
