MEEKER I The sun had not been up long and the wind was a bit chilly but at 8:30 a.m. the Cowboy cross country team arrived at the Arapahoe Fairgrounds in Aurora, Colo. Tents were set up with vendors and for the larger schools. This was the competition of the best of the best, the race of the year: the CHSSA state championship.
At 9:30 Krissie Harman prepared to run. She had walked/jogged the race with her teammates, Jake Boesch and Lathrop Hughes and, as a senior, was ready to complete her last race. The Harman legacy will continue, she assured her coach. In a race with 68 other young women, Harman held her own over the dead grass, mud puddles, inclines and yelling fans to finish in 47th place with a big smile. She worked hard, accomplished much and exceeded many goals.
As Boesch and Hughes prepared to race they met up with friends they have become acquainted with throughout the season and in past years. Some are their competition, some are from other regions. They cheered each other and made new lifelong memories. The line-up was cramped, as there were only two in the Meeker block and three to five in others. There were 84 runners in the 2A boys’ race, all wanting the fastest times. They are given a wide path that narrows around the fairgrounds for a little more than three miles. Boesch, who has been a leader all year, comes in at 23rd place and Hughes comes in at 38th place.
Coach Sheri Kehr commented, “How exciting for me, who has never been to a state competition before (my previous experience has been junior high coaching) to watch these athletes rise to the occasion. As well as represent Meeker High School with dignity and respect for their fellow athletes and CHSSA representatives. I am also encouraged by the support they received not only from their families but other coaches. I look forward to watching these athletes continue their desire to run and improve their sport. I also look forward to having this program grow. We have a great time!”
