The biggest meet of the season left the Eaton Cross Country team exhausted and ready for more. During the race on September 4 at Resurrection Christian High School, the Reds experienced one of the hardest courses yet. 

Six teams competed overall, those including Poudre, Liberty Commons, Resurrection Christian, Platte Valley, and University.  Liberty Commons placed first overall and Eaton’s placement has yet to be released, but the team is proud of their accomplishments, nonetheless. Andie Rasmussen (24) placed first for the girls with a PR of 20:02 and Logan Gullet (23) placed second for the boys with a season best time of 16:58. 

The course at Resurrection Christian High School consisted of steep hills, which quickly became a challenge for the runners. With Eaton being a very flat town, the runners lack the training needed for overcoming major hills. Therefore, the meet was truly a competition against the mind and body. Cross Country Coach Jaryn Guerra said, “The fact that both the competition and the course were so difficult at this meet presented the opportunity for each athlete to challenge themselves. And each athlete pushed themselves to be better than they were before. I’m continually proud of their mental fortitude and their ability to attack challenges head on.” Guerra was excited that the team was given the opportunity to run on the hills. With regionals and state having similar courses, she is glad the runners get some experience. Although the course was challenging, several athletes ran season-best times and PRs. 

Gullet said it was one of the hardest courses he has ever run. “I’ve never felt more dead after a race. If it wasn’t for my teammates and coaches cheering me on, I don’t know if I could have finished the way I did,” he said. The team faced major challenges at Resurrection Christian, but overall the Reds did well. “I think the team did good. Everyone is starting to find their feet. We have a lot of potential and I think we are finally starting to use it. “