Ranked sixth in the 5A division, RHS Cross Country team is working their way to the top.
“The biggest struggle for the team has been to not goof off,” said Coach Jacob Garlick during an interview. We really have no struggles. Everyone is dedicated to the team.
“The season has had a good start. Regions were a little disappointing but it’s been the best season RHS has had by for. For both boys and girls team,” he said.
The most physically demanding meet for the athletes was the Kearns meet.
The team trained hard for their state meet on Oct. 21 at Sugar House Park.
Coach Garlick thinks that a few kids may have a problem with the pressure but overall he feels that the team will do well. They are hoping that they will rank in the top 5 at state.
The top athletes are Chris Barney for the men’s team and Jennica Carpenter for the women’s team.
Jennica Carpenter got a 20:13.6 time on a three mile run last year at state for women’s varsity.
She placed 16th out of all the girls.
When asked what her favorite part about state was she quickly replied, “The finish.”
“I would have liked to have a little faster kick at the end,” said Carpenter.
To get ready for state she warms up and talks about strategies and tries to keep everyone calm.
Chris Barney 16:29.3 time on the three mile run last year at state for men’s varsity.
This year Barney placed 40th out of all the schools for men’s.
Barney has a few pre race superstitions. “I always tie my shoe laces a certain way and always wear mismatch socks,” he said with a smile on his face. “I wish I would have been healthy and faster.”
“I wish we would have put it together on the course at the same time. We never had a great race at the same time as top 7,” said Barney.
Both Barney and Carpenter agree that the team does an amazing job at working together and helping each other out when they are stressed. The both agree that the team work is amazing.
Overall both the girls and the boys team placed 7th out of all the schools.
Alex Dunton placed 1st out of all of RHS. He is only a junior this year.
Both the boys and the girls team did great at state and they are proud of themselves. Some would like to have done things better others wouldn’t change anything about their experience.
