10/31/2025
Today was the sectional meet for 6 and 7A in Huntsville, and unlike other sports, this is a one time shot to make state or stay at home. Having to finish in the top-four teams in our section to qualify for state is difficult, especially on the boys side with literally 6 of our teams being in the top 20 teams in all of 6A. Nothing in life worth having is easy though.
Both the boys and girls teams fought hard, but we came up just short of the desired goal of qualifying the team. The split in our top-five was just too big compared to the other teams. Proud of the kids though, as we did a lot, especially with a gitls team that only had one runner that is above 9th grade. Several PR’s and season bests by our kids when it counted. We did qualify five runners as individual qualifiers to go out and race at state next week. Very proud of each qualifier because they have worked hard and get to see all of that work had paid off. I am also proud of my two kids for putting it all together today and being in that group. The hugs from both of them after they raced were highlights for me.
Losing as a team is tough enough, but many of our seniors raced their last XC race today. So many great kids in this group, and it was tough to see them not get one more shot to race next week. Some tears were shed, but each of them rebounded and cheered our girls on shortly after a difficult loss. Each one of these seniors will go on to do far greater things than run at state. I was blessed to have the chance to coach them in XC and I can’t wait to see all of the things they will accomplish in college, and beyond.
If your child does not run XC then I strongly recommend that they do. It is one of the most positive and encouraging sports a child has access to and develops so many great traits for our youth. I have seen the positive impact it has had on many kids, and hopefully more will find how great it is for physical and mental health.
