Lining up on the starting line for the last time on a freezing, windy morning, the Malad Cross Country teams demonstrated just what “Dragon strong” means.  Racing once again at the Portneuf Wellness Complex in Pocatello, it was the first time since 2003 that both the MHS Men’s and Women’s teams qualified for the state race.

Getting to the IHSAA Cross Country Meet on Saturday, October 28 was no easy feat for the Malad runners, but since the very beginning of their season, it was a goal that they had set.  The men’s team set their intentions high for the season, to not only qualify for state as a team but as district champions.  The women’s team, realizing that they had some incredibly tough competition to overcome, set their sights on a bid to the state meet by taking either first or second place at the district level.

 While the goals the teams had set were entirely attainable, they knew it wouldn’t be easy.  They would have to push themselves to train harder, run faster and be both mentally and physically stronger.  For many of them, their training and work towards their goals began long before the season ever began as they tallied up thousands of miles.

Despite their preseason preparation, the season still held many challenges they had to overcome before they would accomplish their goals.  For many of the XC athletes, they spent a large part of their season overcoming illnesses and injuries when they had hoped they would be shaving seconds off their times.  Brynlee Bastian, Braun Nalder, Brex Martinsen, Brooke Isaacson and Baylor Bean had to think outside the box to stretch, strengthen and train as they fought their way through injuries.   Biking, aqua jogging, chiropractic care and physical therapy became their focus in order to get them back on the running course.  Coach Tia Talbot spoke of these runners saying, “They are a dedicated, tough bunch!  They really came together, working through their challenges to run with and for their time.  I think that's what it takes to win!”

The MHS XC teams know they run their very best when they work together and push each other as they run their course.  But they also knew that successful pack running doesn’t just happen on race day.  It is developed as a team comes together, something that their team captains and seniors worked to encourage every day.  Their dedication to bringing their team together played a big part to their success throughout the season.

Although it was only nine days since their district races on the very same course, the state race day looked and felt wholly different from their previous races.  With temperatures dropping from a perfect 70 degrees to a freezing 30 degrees, it meant that it would be a very different experience.  Their determination to race at their best was enough to motivate them back to the starting line, albeit with a few extra layers, ear muffs and gloves.  And as they raced around the freezing course several racers, including Bastian, Cally Coleman, Isaacson, and Kaylee Nalder, set new season records while Jenna Talbot and Boston Burbidge set new personal records.

When the places were tallied up, the MHS Women’s team found themselves in an impressive third place behind Soda Springs and Ririe.  Coleman earned a top ten finish in 6th place with a time of 20:03.91.  Coming behind her was Isaacson (20:47.55), Bastian (22:03.95), Hadlee Summers (22:30.71), Nalder (22:55.22), Talbot (23:32.45) and Oaklie Hebdon (23:39.29).

The Men’s team took fourth place, only three points behind Cole Valley Christian High.  Leading Malad across the finish line was Brycen Talbot in 12th place at 17:33.76.  Following him was Boston Burbidge         (18:02.94), Braun Nalder (18:03.90), Levi Angell (18:05.06), Porter Allen (18:28.29), Colt Coleman (18:54.71), and Brex Martinsen (20:08.28).

With the state meet and their season behind them now, Coach Talbot shared, “I think most of all, I’m just really proud of these kids.  They have worked hard all season.  They started with thousands of summer miles between them.  They all set individual and personal goals, specifically for both teams to make it to state and they did it!  Bringing home two trophies was pretty cool.”