HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: One more goal for Saints runners

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By Katherine Bauer, Xavier junior

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Xavier cross country teams started the year with high hopes and expectations. As the season draws to a close, there is one last chance for the Saints runners to meet their goals.

The state championships at Saturday in Fort Dodge.

'Both coach Jones and I are first year coaches,' Xavier assistant cross country coach Kyle Mallie said, 'so we didn't know a whole lot of what to expect.'

After finishing third in the 3A regional meet at Solon last week, freshman Emiko Coffey, sophomores Sydney Oakley, Hannah Chicchelly, and Jenny Dickes, juniors Brady Hoffman and Madeline Bailey, and senior Marinna Schroud qualified for state as a team. Dickes and Coffey also qualified individually, placing fourth in 15:40 and sixth in 15:41 respectively.

'We want to get to our goal,' Coffey said, 'and we want to beat our personal records. We look at ranks and think, 'I'm gonna beat this gir.l''

Tapering and pack running have become important tools to the Saints in preparation for state.

'Tapering is reducing the intensity of the workouts,'  Mallie said. 'At the beginning of the year you start off with very hard workouts to get in shape, and you taper to get their legs rested and strong to run the important meets.'

While the boys' team placed fifth and did not make it to state, Xavier standout Jacob Schmitt placed 10th individually and qualified individually in a time of 17:05.

'I'm really proud of the season,' Schmitt said. 'I wish the boys had qualified. But I hope the girls do well, too.'

Mental and emotional preparations are key parts of preparing for any race. State can bring on extra nerves and pressure.

'Right before, we say it's just another race,' Coffey said. 'It'll only take 16 minutes. It's a mental sport, so I'm working on my mentality.'

Dickes was named first team all-MVC  and Coffey was named to the second team. Freshman Addy Hoffman and sophomore Steven Culpepper were honorable mentions. Schroud, Lauren Smith, Jacob Schmitt and Bryce Volk made the all-academic team.