An Amazing End to the Palisade XC Team’s Season

This week’s cross country meet was in Eagle Valley hosted by Eagle Valley high school. “It was incredibly challenging, especially for a championship race like this one”, according to Hyrum Deford. Deford stated, “ The course is deceptively challenging, it begins by tricking you into going out quick, because the first mile is a slow downhill. Following that it is a brutal two miles of a gradual uphill followed by rolling hills. Finally you are tested with a brutal and gnarly finish.” This clearly shows how difficult the course was for its runners, no matter the skill level. Deford also stated, “It was an incredible finish to the season and an amazing opportunity opener for me as I moved on to the state championships” Deford also said, “I’m extremely proud of the team. In the regionals race, the top four teams move on to the state championship. Tragically, the team placed fifth, a mere 12 points off from Grand Junction. Nonetheless we were strides away from victory, and that’s closer than Palisade cross country has been in many years. While a state qualification would be an incredible victory, 5th place in one of the best regions is nothing to hold our heads about.” While the team was so close to going to State Championships, they barely fell short. Although, the race was an incredible finish to the team’s season. The team has been through almost three years of training and nine other races, marking the end of a long journey. Good luck to Hyrum Deford this Saturday in the State Championship Race in Colorado Springs.