2025 State Recap and Banquet/Winter Training info

​The WIAA State Meet was another fun one, as Koda and Ethan both raced tough on what ended up being a slower day than last year at the Ridges Cross Country Course.   Koda ended up taking 51st place (16:44) and Ethan was 79th (16:57)!  Both finishers were in the top half against the best competitors in the State!

Both boys have a ton to be proud of this year.  

Let's start with Koda, who hadn't broken 17:20 last year and was, at most meets last year, our 5th-7th man.  Koda finishes his season with a PR of 16:12, 7th fastest all-time in Hale history! Furthermore, he went from 139th at last year's State Championships, up to 51st, almost making his way into the top 50!  Very proud of his growth throughout the year, from track, to a much improved summer of miles, to a great season in XC.  Congratulations Koda; we are very proud of you!

Now, to Ethan.  Ethan set the tone for our team this season, with his work-ethic and focus. Ethan ran the most miles on our team and ran them with consistent, quality intensity. That hard work led to some really cool outcomes.  He improved at every regular season meet this year, medaled at every regular season meet this year, won an individual meet title, finished top 10 at the GMC Conference Meet and improved his place from last year's State Championship.  Ethan caps off his career with a PR of 16:16, which moves him to 11th all-time in Hale history.  Congratulations on an outstanding cross country career Ethan; we will miss you next year!  

Another huge shout out to the support squad they had up at State!  It is so cool to see the boys and families continuing to support each other, even when that means traveling 2 and a half hours to do so.  

Banquet Date Change: now is Tuesday November 18th at 7pm at Hale cafeteria
Due to some conflicts, our coaching staff has changed the banquet date.  It will now be Tuesday November 18th at 7pm in the Hale cafeteria.  Again, it will be a dessert event, where families will be asked to bring a dessert for about 10 people, if possible.   

Winter Training and Uniform Hand-in: Monday November 17th at 3:15pm in room 108
First off, if an athlete is in a winter sport, I want to say, that's awesome!  It is great to get the opportunity to compete and we are excited to support them in that!

If an athlete is not, we highly recommend being a part of our winter training group.  A lot of growth can be made in the off-season and it starts with training together.  It is run completely by the boys, but I will often be around for it, as they meet in my room.  

Athletes meet each week day in room 108 and run miles together.  They can still use their lockers to store stuff in.  As it gets colder, kids will wear hats, gloves, pants and sweatshirts.  Often good to store some extras of these in their lockers.  In extreme cases, boys will use the treadmills or indoor bikes or go to the Pettit Center, but most days, bundling up with layers will do the trick!

Regardless if they are running on November 17th, athletes should bring me their washed uniform and jacket on that day.  Reminder, they are welcome to keep the green dry-fit shirt they received at the start of the season!

Look forward to seeing the boys, to hand-in their uniform on the 17th and all the families at the banquet on November 18th!  

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