We are talking about XC races, of course. Before Saturday, Nicolas Velardi had competed and completed 35 races in a Panther Uniform. Not all of them were great, but he made sure that his 36th race was his very best. On what he knew could be his last effort in his High School XC career, he decided to leads his teammates into the proper pace and proper place early in the race. Shortly before the half way point, we are sure he shouted out words of encouragement to Aiden and Bailey to keep moving up while he settled into 19th place. He held strong and just slipped back two places at the end, but still finishing in his new PR of 17:27 capping off his memorable career as a Panther. His effort was 12 seconds faster and 3 places better than that of Hockinson's Zora whom Nicolas has had plenty of duels with over the past 4 years. Nick saved the best for last!
... it is the Sophomore inside the shoes!" Hannah has been our 2nd runner, every single race this year! This is an impressive feat for a first year runner. Last week's race brought some frustrations which she redeemed herself from at the District Meet at Lewis River Golf Course where she posted the biggest Panther P.R. of the day. Also, it is interesting to note that she has been running in shoes handed down from former Panther Star Kendall Utter (class of 2012), who prior to this year, held the Sophomore Record of 21:08. Today, Hannah ran 21:02, and if it were not for her classmate Courtney Owens ahead of her, she would be the new Sophomore Record holder. But we can rest assure that it is not the shoes, but the combination of talent, hard work and determination bundled up inside the sophomores that truly bring out this level of success.