Riverhawk Run in TD provides preview of cross country season
By Jill Peason
“Is this a fun run, or should I actually try?” wondered a few of the high school runners before the Riverhawk Run on Saturday, Aug. 27, which started at the Discovery Center.
“Yes,” they were told. It was certainly both- a chance for the high school and middle school cross country runners in The Dalles (TDHS, TDMS, and St. Mary’s) to get some initial times for goal setting. It was also a chance for the local runners to support them and break some goals of their own along the Riverfront Trail.
Despite the wind, the runners and walkers set some ambitious initial times.
In the 3k, the St. Mary’s boys’ team swept the first four places, led by 8th grader Sawyer Dray in 11:45, and followed by 7th-grader Kestley Hodges winning the girls’ 3k at 15:15; fifth overall. All of those summer miles logged with siblings and teammates paid off. It was a good day for the youngest runners as well, with Colson Wilson, Owen Haynes, and Jackson Smith in the 10-yer-old and under runners. They all finished in less than 16 minutes.
The 5k, no surprise, was led by returning seniors Juan Diego Contreras and Kayden McCavic, at 16:33 and 19:02, respectively. Those “fast freshmen boys” from last year have also returned as sophomores, only to be challenged by an even larger and just as hungry crew of freshmen, as evidenced by newcomer Tyson Long’s third-place finish at 19:27.
Sophomore Caleb Caldwell nearly broke his mom’s (Rachel Clark Caldwell- 19:51) high school record, going sub 20 for the first time at 19:55, and narrowly beating teammate Trey Hodges. “We were running together, and when we got to the top (of the hill), I realized I had more in me, so I went,” Caleb remarked. “We’re still friends, but I know he’s going to try to beat me next time.”
On the girls’ side, sophomore Alaina Casady finished the course in just under 23 minutes at 22:59, followed by Ruby Jaimes Mora (23:55). TD alumnae Erin Ford finished ahead of the current high school girls’ team at 24:10. Despite a disappointing lack of finish ribbons (my sincerest apologies!), the other 5k participants- parents, siblings, friends, and neighbors- set some ambitious sub 30 times as well.
As the St. Mary’s, TDMS, and Riverhawk Cross Country teams take on the rest of their season, be sure to follow their progress on athletic.net, and come cheer them on at the Bridget Nelson Invitational Meet at The Dalles Country Club on Thursday, September 8th. As we could see on the starting line last Saturday, there’s something pretty cool about knowing your community is literally with and behind you.
