Racing By the Rules

If you had gone to the Big Horn Equestrian Center on Friday morning, you would not have seen horses running, but rather 400 middle school and high school athletes from 13 schools who were competing in the All Wyoming Track Meet.  This was a first time cross country race here.  Spectators may have thought the grounds looked flat, but according to Mike Daley, the Big Horn Athletic Director, “There’s a lot more climb than you think there is.”

The competitors had to split into four venues with the boys on one end of the polo field and the girls on the other end, half a mile apart.  Due to Wyoming state rules for Covid-19, they cannot intermingle.  Alianna Brown, an 8^th grade runner from Sheridan said that six of her teammates were quarantined for two weeks due to their exposure to the virus. 

Yes, the athletes enjoy working hard to keep physically fit so they can push themselves and give it their all in a meet.  Their training schedule consists of at least two hours each day, five days per week.  But there is more to it than winning.  Ruby Szewc from Sheridan said that cross country running helps the athletes in school because they have to keep her grades up in order to stay on the team.  Hannah Mowry agreed, “I play other sports.  Cross country keeps you in shape for other sports and keeps you healthy.”

The Big Horn Rams are coached by Tish Cooper.  She sees her team benefitting as long distance runners because they are out in the fresh air practicing every day after school.  They have their ups and downs because running the hills is a large part of their workouts.  They also have speed workouts, but only on dirt and grass because that is easier on their joints.  Cooper notes that her runners are good comrades and they are building a supportive community.

Parents play a big part in the success of the sport and their beloved athletes.  Charles Tift has supported his son, Cameron, for the three years he has participated.  He cheers for his son and he travels with him.  He goes one step farther by setting up the course at six thirty in the morning.  Cameron is inspired to keep pushing himself to the limit every day to reach his goals in this active sport.   He sees it building his character as well.  “It’s good for you physically, mentally, and emotionally.  It helps to build yourself anywhere!” he exclaimed.

The winners for the motivated middle schoolers were the girls’ team from Sheridan and the boys’ team from Buffalo.  Buffalo’s high school girls’ team also took first place.  The boys’ team from Tongue River took the top spot.

Daley said, “I would like to make this an annual event.”  He has ideas for next year to set up camps and bring in vendors.  “It’s a really cool deal!” he said as he grinned under his face mask.  When asked if they would like to do this again next year, Sheridan’s middle school girls’ team gave a resounding, “Yes!”

       These athletes are tenacious as they tough it out from summer practices in the heat to competing in meets in the nippy, cool air.  Then they are ready for even chillier in October.  Give them a hand as their feet cross the finish line!

Submitted by Meredith Brose