The 2023-2024 Cross Country season had a strong start with the welcoming of the head coach, Rebecca Bautista, who is also the new Eaton High School STEM teacher. Not only a new head coach, but a large incoming group of freshmen joined the team. “This season has been challenging but strong. The new head coach is greatly experienced and knows how to make us stronger runners and athletes, so it’s definitely taken some getting used to, however, we had to learn to trust the process and build ourselves to be mentally and physically stronger,” said senior Aedalin Barclay. 

Senior Andie Rasmussen said, “She [Bautista] definitely pushes all of us past our limits and I have noticed a difference in my ability to run and compete in competitions. She incorporates lifting, strength, and mobility into our training and I have definitely noticed a decrease in soreness. She has made such an impact on the program in such a short amount of time and we are all so lucky to have her as our coach.” 

The Reds first meet was held on Aug. 23, 2023, at Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins, Colorado. Rocky Mountain High School hosted the 5k meet, where junior Clayton Heid placed 56th with a time of 19:34.00. Following Heid, Jaxon Robson (26) placed 70thm, running a 20:23.00, Zachary Mellman (26) placed 81st, running a 21:48.00, and Owen Heid (27), 93rd place, ran a 24:36.00. The boys meet consisted of 100 total varsity runners, which the entire EHS boys team competed in. “My times have gotten a lot better and I have seen major improvement since last year. I’m focused on form while running and running with the right technique,” said Robson. 

The girls started their season very strong too, with freshman, Delaney Reuter, placing third, at 19:13.00.  Reuter said, “I think running gives you a good feeling and I love my teammates along with our cool coach.” Following her, Rasmussen, placed 10th, at 20:56.00 and Barclay, placed 53rd, with a time of 24:35.00. “Personally, I’ve been working on my mental game. I can change my form and how I run so many times but I had to learn to build not only my confidence but mindset to reach new limits, said Barclay. 

The team has stayed consistent throughout their season, improving and making new personal records. “My season has been going very well, I’ve been doing pretty good at getting first and second. I don’t really have a focus besides running fast and trying to be the first one,” Reuter said. 

As the Regional Championships 2023 wrapped up on Oct. 19, 2023, the team will be sending Reuter, Rasmussen, and Barclay to the State Cross Country Championships. “I’m excited to go to state, I’ve never done anything like that before, so it should be fun and a tough race against good girls,” said Reuter. The meet was hosted at Monfort Park, in Greeley, Colorado where Reuter ran a time of 18:16.00, ranking second place. Following her, Rasmussen placed seventh at 19:30.10 and Barclay in 12th at 20:27.30. “It’s really hard to accept the fact that this is the last time I will be running cross country for Eaton. I have had an amazing career and so many fun experiences. This year I have really been trying to focus on having fun and just enjoying my last season. I have been working really hard to hopefully put out some of my fastest times in cross country for this season and hopefully leave with a new PR and no regrets,” said Rasmussen.