The middle school cross-country team wrapped up their season on Thursday, October 15, in Pocahontas. The conference meet mirrored a notoriously wet autumn season as the runners fought through another wet, breezy meet. Rather than letting the soggy course slow them down, the Jaguar runners embraced the elements. From the opening gun, the girls’ team fought through a saturated, slippery course, showcasing the relentless grit they have cultivated all year through the numerous rainy practices. The final standings saw the Southeast Valley girls consistently pushing into the top tiers of the pack, securing another second-place finish with Annie Harris (8th; 14:23.0) and Ava Eaton (9th; 14:23.8) leading the Jaguars, with Serenity Cunigan (13th; 14:43), Kiley Norine (14th; 14:47), and Averie Kitchen (16th; 15:08) hot on their heels. Nearly every runner on the girls’ roster clocked a personal best, and this haul of personal bests is something to be celebrated. “Every single runner stepped up, even with unideal conditions. I am so proud of our girls’ team’s depth and mental toughness. These girls have a drive that makes me so incredibly proud of each of them,” said Coach Abby Peterson. The boys’ team also had an impressive push as they climbed from their middle-of-the-pack finishes all season to a second-place finish as well. Kyler Vote (12:10) earned another third-place finish, earning a conference medal, and proving himself as an elite runner. To add to the boys’ final team scores were Landon Fors (14th; 13:06.0), Roman Pace (15th; 13:06.7), Nikota Lyons (23rd; 13:52), and Nick Albright (35th, 15:37), who rounded out the top five for the Jags with fantastic times. Additionally, two runners, Noah Peterson and Ruger Skougard, ended their season earning a personal record. However, the impressive times and second-place finishes tell only half the story of this remarkable group of athletes. The true hallmark of this team was forged during the middle of the season, which brought a relentless stretch of wet, rainy weather and waterlogged training conditions. However, the team refused to let the elements dampen their spirits. Instead of complaining about soggy sneakers and slippery courses, the runners embraced the challenge, building a fierce sense of shared resilience. It only seems fitting that their season’s final finishes be back in the rain. "This season was tough with all the rain, but it made us mentally stronger," said Coach Lee. "Seeing how much improvement these kids made and how they ran with such spirit today makes me proud to end the season the way we did." With a season filled with improved performances, a lot of fun memories, and an unbreakable team bond, the 2026 middle school cross country runners are showing how this sport and its athletes excel. The young runners now get to close the chapter on a cross-country season that will be remembered. NAME 2mile Place Kyler Vote 12:10 3 Landon Fors 13:06.0 14 Roman Pace 13:06.7 15 Nikota Lyons 13:52 23 Nick Albright 15:37 35 Eli Bird 15:52 37 Noah Peterson 16:40 40 Domi Foster 17:59 45 Cooper McKinney 21:45 50 Ruger Skougard 22:15 51 Annabelle Harris 14:23 8 Ava Eaton 14:23 9 Serenity Cunigan 14:43 13 Kiley Norine 14:47 14 Averie Kitchen 15:08 16 Taylor Dorsey 16:24 22 Aleah Judson 16:25 23 Adley Davis 16:27 24 Avery Akins 16:49 29 Reagan Cramer 18:10 39 Lexi Waugh 19:05 43 Heaven Cunigan 19:58 46