Broadalbin-Perth Cross Country

Today we competed in the Section VII (Pre-State) Invitational in Plattsburgh so that we could preview the course in which this year’s state championship will be contested. This is a tradition I have done with all my teams as I use it as both motivation and a learning tool. It is my hopes that the kids enjoy themselves and work even harder to ensure themselves a return trip in November. It also allows me, as a coach to see what the course is like and gear our workouts to better prepare us for that return trip. This year’s course, unlike Sunken Meadow in Long Island (site of 2018 pre state invy and State championship) was mostly flat and fast and many of our kids benefited from this with some impressive times. Despite those times, though, we did not place as well as I would have liked in the team scoring. Our gaps were once again too large and this inflated our scores on both the boys and girls side. In a race such as this, a minute gap can be a difference of 50 points. I do think our kids enjoyed themselves and do believe that they are further motivated. In that sense, the trip was worth it. However, if we want to return we will have to get mentally stronger. I saw a quote today that stated, “we have what it takes but are we willing to do what it takes!” I am hoping my kids saw the same message.