Last weekend the boys took first at the Prefontaine Memorial Run, foreshadowing potentially an undefeated league season, girls got 7th overall same as last year; will both girls and boys be undefeated in this next XC season?
The Prefontaine Cross Country race in Oregon is a memorial run held every year for Steve Prefontaine, one of America’s greatest cross-country runners of all time. Steve Prefontaine claimed 7 NCAA titles and in 1972 went to the Olympics finishing 4th in the 5k. He holds many records in the 2,000 and 10,000 meters. Arcata High Cross country team makes up part of the 200 high school students running annually in downtown Coos Bay. He was a college student at the University of Oregon, making the Oregon Ducks very proud. His family remains very involved in this event despite Steve Prefontaine dying tragically in his 20s. It was unknown whether a drunk driver hit him or that he was a drunk driver.
Head Coach James Washington had high hopes for this meet. The weather was warm, cloudy, and not too wet. It was described by some team members as perfect weather. He has been coaching here at Arcata High for more than 45 years. He has full faith in this year’s Cross Country team to be undefeated.
Levi Browne, team captain and Senior at Arcata High School shares his pre-race tips.
“Try not to over-hype myself up.” He claims it causes anxiety.
The boy’s team is looking very strong this year. The top 5 runners for the boys are Ocean Walker, Evan Posten, Levi Browne, Reece Thompson, and Eoin McGoldrick. They all did very very well. Ocean ran a 16:54, Evan ran a 16:56, Levi Browne PRed ran a 16:56, Reece ran a 17:41, and Eion an 18:22. This is going to be a redeeming year for these tigers.
Zoe Cappucio explained to me that many of the girls were sick. Fortunately, she was not and ran very well. Many of the girl runners suffered sinus congestion or sore throats. So unlike the boys many of these girls were having an off day. Much of the team is made up of freshman girls shrill learning the ropes. Many took off too fast, unsure of how to pace, especially in this new environment. Although they were less successful overall they still beat Eureka, instilling confidence that these upcoming league meets will be won.
“Just keep going, Go hard on the hills,” Zoe repeated in her head numerous times throughout the race.
The top four girl runners are Zoe Cappucio, Nella, Quincy Kelly, and Anna McLaughlin. Despite having some sick members the girls pulled through. Zoe ran and PRed at 22:50, Nella ran at 23:33, Quincy Kelly ran at 24:45 and Anna ran at 25:03. Nella also PRed and she was not sick either. Zoe was telling me that one thing that was extremely beneficial to the team was Team captain Sydney. She was unable to go due to an injury and then traveling to Ireland, but she gave a good pep talk.
“Just try your best and run hard,” Sydney said.
There was a lot of team support and good vibes. The team was doing a good job supporting each other. Despite challenges. The number one runner Bella Decarli did not run. She is one of the most valuable runners. Maddy Trieu was also not attending due to work and Emerson Brownfield was injured as well. So in spite of these challenges, the Arcata High School Cross country team went above and beyond.
“Go and do your best.” was something repeated by many of the teammates.
This year’s team is looking strong not only physically but mentally. Supporting each other and uplifting each other. Team chemistry is looking great this year. If this attitude is kept up, being undefeated this season is going to be no issue. When a team is strong together they are unstoppable. Pushing each other calming each other’s anxieties and fears and changing the focus onto the strength and skill of the team. The 2024 Arcata High School cross country team with the coaching of James Washington and Davita McGoldrick, and guidance of the team captains Levi and Sydney will be undoubtedly, highly successful.
“Don’t worry in the beginning, just take care of it when the gun goes off.” Bella Decarli said.
These cross-country runners learn skills and ways of doing hard things that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives. They are all extremely capable human beings and if each person puts their mind to it and keeps each other accountable, there is no reason that The Arcata High Tigers will be anything but Undefeated this season.
