The Run to Success

“Since the team started in 1986, we have had 14 valedictorians and nine salutatorians,” shared Angie. “Noteworthy, is that the same traits that help you excel in the classroom are the same ones that help you excel in all areas of your life.”

This year’s team is larger than usual with 52 students, 22 of whom are girls and 30 boys. “The girls’ team entered the season as the two-time defending 4A State Champions,” said Angie. “They are again one of the top teams in the state and ready to defend their title. The boys’ team took third in the state last year and are also racing very well this season.”

The success of the individuals and the team does not come without a great deal of hard work. During the season, the students compete or train six days each week. The first year runners run 15 to 20 miles per week while the veteran varsity athletes run between 40 and 50 miles each week.

“Once the season is over, each runner has to take a two week active recovery where they are not allowed to run in order to recharge both physically and mentally,” shared Matt. “In December we start our off-season winter runs for those not doing a winter sport, meeting Monday and Wednesday afternoon and Friday mornings. We hold this schedule through February until track starts.”

Summer training begins in mid-June and is three times each week. “We spend a great deal of time together running throughout the year. (We have) yearly traditions, team dinners and events and camps. It is a truly a family of runners,” said Angie.

And like a family, they honor those who have gone through their program and made an impact on the lives around them. Such is the case with the Sandpoint Invitational, an event that was renamed for Will Johnson in early 2010 after the then 15-year-old cross-country team member passed away.

Both Matt and Angie describe Will as a vibrant young man, extremely funny and extremely genuine. “He was always respectful to the coaches, and we saw him growing in leadership ability and maturity in his two years running with us. He knew there was a rewarding place for everyone who put in the training and took part,” said Matt. “More than anything, this team was filled with his friends, to him it was an extension of his family. His short life had an impact on many, when classmates come to visit us they still talk about Will and tell stories of the things he did.”