For weeks now, MHS Cross Country Coach Tia Talbot has been telling her team that they have it within them to claim the state championship title at the end of the season.  Over and over again she has reminded them that it is their drive and determination that define their success.  Throughout the season, both the men's and women's have led out in various meets, claiming victories, setting new personal bests and meeting team goals.  But it wasn’t until the IHSAA State XC meet that they finally accomplished something that made everyone go WOW!

Making the long trek to Lewiston, Idaho, the two MHS teams readied to compete in the state races after qualifying with two District first places.  Healthy, sound and with perfect fall weather projected for race day, the Dragon racers were set to make history.  Having competed in previous years’ state meets, the athletes and coaches had crucial experience that helped them know just what it would take to bring home a winning trophy.  All that was left was just to do it.

The morning of the race rolled around and the MHS athletes focused on one word- EXECUTE.  They had a race plan in mind and knew that if they ran in the right headspace and with integrity, doing what they had committed to do, they would accomplish something great.  This strong, committed mindset cleared away any doubt, nervousness or fear and instead brought about feelings of peace and confidence.      

As they had throughout the season, the Lady Dragon runners raced first, beginning at 1 o’clock.  Jostling at the start for positioning, the Malad racers broke out to the front third of runners, Aezlyn Summers leading out as usual.  Ellie Angell followed next, setting the pace and position for the pack of runners coming behind her.

Completing their first lap, the Lady Dragons were on target and looking strong.  Turning into the second and final lap, they amped up the pace, putting pressure on the competition and proving what it takes to be the best.  Throughout the 5k race they continued to push each other, and give the confidence that each of them needed to run like they never had before.  

Right on pace, Summers came in first for Malad at 19:12.4 for a seventh place finish with Kaycee Venable and Angell trailing a short 30 seconds behind.  Coming into the final 400 meters, Brielle Bastian and Kallie Talbot kicked things up, catching several runners ahead that had seemed impossible for them to reach.  Jenna Talbot and Somerli Nalder rounded out the MHS racers, having relied on each other as they raced around the course together.  

Anxiously waiting for the results to come in and the totals to be tallied, the Lady Dragons were proudly announced as the 2025 XC State Champions with each of them incredibly setting a new personal best in the undertaking.

At 2 pm, the MHS men’s team lined up to race.  Despite trying to break out early, a number of the Malad racers got caught in the congestion of the first lap.  Fortunately, Boston Burbidge and Jace Nalder sprinted their way to the front, a position they maintained shoulder to shoulder as they calmly and confidently ran through the first half of the course.

Moving into the second lap, the Malad runners began to make their move, gaining on the racers ahead of them and slowly picking them off.  Braun Nalder and Levi Angell steadily worked their way through the packs of runners, eventually finding themselves in the top 15 racers.  Carter Smith set a strong pace and good position for himself and fellow racers, Jaxon Blasidell and Dawson Beutler.  As the race wore on and the early push began to take its toll, Blasidell and Beutler returned the favor by pushing each other through to finish.

It was an exciting sight to see the racers make their way to the finish line, the Dragon uniform leading the way as Burbidge gutted out the final sprint to claim the title of state champion with an incredible time of 15:18.6.  Jace Nalder trailed by 20 seconds to place third with his Brother Braun accomplishing an eighth place finish.  

Once again, the MHS team awaited with great anticipation to learn both the team and individual results.  With a 16 point lead, the Dragons men’s team was announced as the winners and the 3A State Champions.

“I can’t begin to explain how awesome it was to see these kids go out and accomplish what they had set their mind to,” shared Coach Talbot.  “The boys were especially determined to win after they came up short last year.  They were determined to do everything they could to prepare to win state this year.  It began back in the summer months as they put in hundreds of miles.”

She continued, “They really showed the power of teamwork as they pushed each other on.  And despite ALL the racers, both boys and girls, setting new PRs many didn’t feel they had their best race of the season, yet they were still able to pull off their goal of winning a state championship.”

For some the championship was a sweet finish to their high school XC career and for some it was the beginning and hope for the future.  For all of Malad, it was history in the making.