Week #4 - Badgers Excel at the Inaugural Monticello Mountain Meet!

When the first meet of the season got moved to a different date, Coach Julia had an awesome idea: let's do our own Monticello Mountain Meet! She designed a beautiful and challenging course in the meadow of the Monticello trails, and thanks to the assistance of Coaches Liza, Coach Butch, tons of other parents and a special appearance by Nemanja, it ran super smoothly! So fun! The Badgers truly excelled in the first annual Monticello Mountain Meet!

 

Experienced runners Emma and Raquel led the warm-ups, getting the team organized as they prepared for their first competitive race! They took their positions on the line surrounded by a ton of family - and as soon as they heard the "G" word, they were off! Pack running is a key strategy in Cross Country, and the team worked together as they enjoyed their first downhill section. When they approached an incline, they increased their turnover, showing off short, quick strides.  

 

Robert and Clyde are going to be a formidable lead pack this season. They ran consistently, with an open stride. As they turned the corner on to their second lap, it was clear that they were about to accomplish something truly special. Both runners finished the two mile course in under sixteen minutes! Robert (15:45) and Clyde (15:48) both earned impressive Personal Records (PR's) as they finished first and second respectively. Congratulations!

 

Fletcher (17:03) finished with an incredible kick - flying through the meadow as he approached the finish line. He showed off great endurance yesterday as the team explored PVCC, and that hard work truly paid off! Also breaking 18:00, James finished in 17:52! A leader by example, James has a calm and consistent approach and finished in under 9:00/mile pace today!

 

Eleanor (18:48) and Andrew (19:06) were Tandem's next strong back. This group of Badgers ran much of the race together, pushing each other on the hills. For Eleanor, a returning runner with quite a finishing kick, this is her best time on a two mile course! Congratulations! For Andrew, he has set quite a standard - running 9:33 pace in only his first meet! Juno (19:41) also broke 20:00 - quite an impressive debut! Juno negative split the race (running the second half faster than first) - a sign of great strategy usually only in play from a veteran runner!

 

Everett (20:30) and Griffin (20:52) came through next, each performing with great consistency throughout the race. They used their short quick strides on the uphills but also extended their cadence on the descent, flying throughout the last 800 meters. Raquel (21:10) did the same - and, along with Emma, served as an exceptional leader helping the team to be calm and organized before and after the race.

 

Emma (22:25), Casey (22:33) and Nora (22:37) were an amazing pack! Working together, each runner finished incredibly strong. While the uphill portion deep on the course is very challenging, they took advantage of the downhill towards the end. Once they saw an adoring group of fans, this trio took off, each establishing exciting new PR's! 

 

Francesca was strong and consistent, completing the two mile course in a new PR of 31:45! Using her arms to provide momentum as she went up the hills, Francesca showed off great determination as she completed her first race of 2025!

 

Congratulations to the Middle School Badgers on an amazing Monticello Mountain Meet! What an exciting way to start the season. An enormous thank you to the talented and innovative Coach Julia! Thanks also to Coaches Liza, Butch and Amanda, and to all of the families who came out to support and direct runners on the course! Thanks to Nemanja for being an official as well!

 

The team is off to an amazing start. They return to action on Wednesday, September 24 at Pleasant Grove Park. Hope to see you there!