| Crosscountry
season wrapup
A great adventure came to an end for the year as the XC team held a Banquet to close out our year. Thanks to Mr. Don Curry’s cooking, a nice dinner was held and our team of outstanding young people were recognized. Each and every one of these athletes deserves a congratulations for working hard and accomplishing so much as an individual and a team this year. We started out the season with only 6 athletes but quickly building into a team of twelve. Medals were won by individuals during the season but more importantly this group found the ability to believe in themselves and support each other in a sport that has no timeouts, no substitutions, just a start and a finish and a whole lot of heart and determination in between. We had no awards for any individual this season. We had athletes who ran faster and placed higher and earned more medals but each and every one on this team contributed to the success we achieved. I hope that the rewards each of us found inside of ourselves from competing and challenging ourselves to push the limits of our abilities, is reward enough. Hopefully each of you realize that doing the best you can and finishing each race with your best effort is all any coach can ask for. Beyond the personal growth this year, our team did have a state medalist in Kylie Tidwell. We had a great showing at districts where our girls’ team placed second and qualified for State. And throughout the year we had medals won by Grant Gehring, Leah Higgins, Chaye Uptmor and Kylie Tidwell. We also won some medals in JV races this year at bigger meets. I know the coaches are all very proud of our team’s accomplishments. As this is the first year of Prairie XC, I feel very proud of what we accomplished. I would like to thank the rest of the volunteer coaches. Jenny Arnzen for amazing dedication and knowing how to make all of us hurt from a workout. Dave Young for his enthusiasm and caring about each and every one of our athletes. Don Curry for being there when needed and using his strong voice to encourage our tired young runners in mid race. It is great to work with such an amazing group of enthusiastic coaches. I would also like to thank all those who supported us this year financially and verbally. So as 2015 ends, and 2016 arrives--to the young people of Prairie high school: If a challenge of pushing your limits and your abilities sounds interesting, then get a hold of one of our coaches. We have twenty people tentatively signed up for next year and would love to add some more. If you would like to be a part of our team, which will be having great success at districts and state next year, please join us. Looking forward to an amazing 2016 XC year. Glenn Poxleitner 
The Prairie Crosscountry team held a year-end banquet a couple weeks ago. Shown above is the team and coaches. Front from left are Hope McIntire, Kodie Tidwell, Leah Higgins, Sydney Bruner, Kylie Tidwell and Madison Ulmer. Back from left are Dave Young, Don Curry, Grant Gehring, Anthony Karel, Brandon Latimer, James Villamor, Glenn Poxleitner and Jenny Arnzen. Not pictured are Chaye Uptmor and Ryan Glimp. Photo provided by Glenn Poxleitner. |
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