Penguin XC at State

The Whitewater Penguins attended the state cross country meet in Kalispell, MT this previous weekend. The Penguins ran on Saturday, October 24, day two of the event.

Coach Cary Hammond said that the team knew that the meet was going to be a cold one and so the team trained all week outside in the elements to prepare for the conditions.

"Friday night before the race we even got a short run in in the snow," Coach Hammond said. "Saturday morning ended being 12 degrees with the wind chill and the course covered in snowdrifts that the girls ended up having to jump through while running."

Knowing this, even before the race, Coach Hammond said none of the girls complained or thought in their mind that they would not be able to PR.

"Everyone was going into that race with high expectations and goal setting," Coach Hammond said. "It was a tough race, one they won't forget."

Samantha Wisher came in at 38th place with a time of 27.57.96. Kendra Cummings came in at 54th place with a time of 29.17.26. Kelsee was right behind her sister at 58th place with a time of 30.19.83. Ava Hanley came in 76th place with a time of 33.50.43. And Hannah Hanley came in 85th with a time of 40.56.73.

"None of the girls were able to PR but they are definitely a little tougher after making it through that one," Coach Hammond said. "They thought maybe I would be a little disappointed in them when the race was over because they most certainly were but they should be more than proud of themselves for their performances."

Coach Hammond said that the team already has high expectations for next season and a few Penguins plan on training through the off-season.

"I'm very pleased with the way the season ended," Coach Hammond said. "I had girls cut over 10 minutes of time off of their 3-mile run from the first practice to the last. I was glad that they had a solid meet in right before state with multiple PRs to boost their confidence."