Teays Valley High School Athletics

"We go to the moon, not because it's easy, but because it's hard"-President John F. Kennedy The Teays Valley Vikings Girls Cross Country team went North today to take on an extremely talented and deep field at the Olentangy Berlin Bear Den Dash. With multiple teams ranked in the sate throughout several divisions, the Vikings took on their toughest test of the season. As the race progressed, the Vikings continued to hold tough and battle with the talented competition. In the end, the Vikings would place 5th out of 23 teams. The Vikings were led by a steady and consistent Reese Galinger and a returning Katy Zang, as both ran 18:45, to place 17th and 18th respectively. Not far behind, two juniors continued their rise into the elite of the area as Addison Keplar placed 29th (19:05) and Grace Thanasack placed 36th (19:13). A trio of runners would then work to close the door for the Vikings as Kate Charter continued her return running 21:32 (placing 134th), a tenacious Julie Charter ran 21:46 (21:46) and a quickly improving Khloe Maxwell placed 140th (21:48). The Vikings continue to work towards their goals by taking it one step at a time, learning from each race and each week, and progressing towards what lies ahead and the goals they have set. In the open race, the temperature warmed quickly providing a tough test for the Vikings. Despite that, the Vikings took it head on and finished 14th out of 20 teams. Leading the way and scoring for the Vikings: Iris Ardrey (51st-22:57), Josephine Bowerman (78th-24:00), Bethany Wickline (94th-24:38), Iris Lanas Garcia (24:45-96th), Hannah Darst (25:28-115th), Ayla Martinez (25:39-123rd), and Lila Merritt (132nd-26:03). Despite the heat the girls really challenged themselves and have a lot to be proud of. Others competing for the Vikings: Bailie Peters (139th-26:17) Elise Krouse (147th-26:35) Maddy Greer (191st-28:53) Ellie Smith (195th-29:17) Hannah Daniels (203rd-30:19) Mikaela Frabott (205th-30:56) Cross Country is not easy. Setting high goals is not easy. Yet the TVXC girls have not asked for easy and they continue to challenge themselves to "go to the moon" and be the best team they can be. Today was one step on the ladder to getting to where they want to get to.