PHS Cross Country Team Leads Region

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               Cross country is a sport that is not often as publicized as other athletic events. But over the past month, the Payson High School cross country team has dominated in the various meets they have competed in.

              “More so than in years passed, our team has caught the vision of work,” said head coach David Rockwood. Thus far, they have been undefeated among Region 12 competitors.

      The cross country team first ran in the American Fork relays, where runners had to jump over hay bales at various spots in the race. Payson’s varsity squad (composed of their top 5 runners) defeated last year’s region champion Juab. Payson also had runners compete in individual races.

      Pre-Region, a shadow of how the region championship will go, Payson ran to an easy victory, despite missing their second runner Jordan Bailey due to injury. Sophomore Dakota Lange won the overall race, and the boys’ team unofficially took the meet by over 25 points. Also, Nick Hindes, Malachi Dinkins, Dalyn Lowe, and Brigham Flint all placed in the top 20 out of more than 90 runners.

      Payson also competed in the Utah County Invitational on September 1st. They ran at the Lakeside Sports Park in Orem. The boys’ varsity team ran the 5k course with an average time of 17:21.72, less than 6 minutes a mile.

      On September 11th, Payson competed in their only home meet. Running in both the rain and mud, they edged out all other 3A teams, retaining their first place spot in the region. Dakota Lange won the boys race (with a time of 15:17), while Arianne Keele and Alyssa Rowley led the girls’ team.

      “It was an exhilarating fight, but worth it in the end,” said Brendon Farley, who was awarded Lion of the Meet for his varsity performance.

      During the same week, Payson had 15 runners compete in the BYU Autumn Classic, held at BYU’s track and its surrounding fields. They stayed competitive despite facing much larger teams and schools, including 5A opponents.

      Cross country competed again on September 19th at Spanish Fork.

      Payson cross country has several upcoming meets, including Region on October 9th and the State championships on October 17th. The team is coached by head coach David Rockwood, along with assistants Stan Peck, Nikki O’Mary, and April Rockwood.

      “In cross country, you meet a lot of friends, and everyone who joins counts,” said junior Kelsey Wood.

      “It’s something everyone can do,” Corinne Facer added.

      Coach Rockwood said his goal for the season was to take the region title and be one of the top 5 teams in state. The Payson Lion cross country team definitely has a shot at it. Nothing runs like a lion!

Attributions
By Brigham Flint
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