Young runners disciplined and succeeding:
Olivia Dugan and Shea Rush, both 5th graders at the Barstow school, have been excelling outside of the classroom at post-season cross country meets for 2 seasons now. After practicing with the middle school cross country team last fall and then again this fall, the two 11-year olds ran a few races on their own during the fall and then continued to train after the season was over. They were aiming for the USATF regional and national cross country races. They succeeded in qualifying for the national race last year by placing in the top 10 at the regional meet in their age division. The national race was at the same location as the regional race at Rim Rock farm in Lawrence, KS.
Olivia and Shea moved up an age category this year and had a tough feat ahead of them, but after logging many weeks of diligent and rigorous training they qualified for the national meet! The regional race this year was in the same location at Rim Rock farm in Lawrence, KS. So, on December 13th, they'll be competing in Virginia at the USATF national cross country race. Both of them are very tough, young individuals who are very dedicated to their training. They have both endured many training sessions and have fought through all kinds of weather. Last years national race was about as bad as any race weather could have been. If you want proof, just ask their parents! Temperatures were below freezing and the kids ran through snow, ice, and wind. We'll all be hoping for the best for these two young harriers next weekend!