Ben at XC CSML, Regionals and State

It was a season of major growth and improvement for Ben as a runner.  Having lost nearly the entire varsity squad, his friends, mentors and "rabbits" to graduation, this season was set up to be very different from last.  As a sophomore, he had to step into a team leader role and also figure out how to be fast without people to keep up with.  He learned a ton about his running strengths and race style, as well as what kind of race plans he doesn't like!  He had some jaw-dropping performances, crushed his personal record times and chased down some tough competition.  We are SO proud of our runner and the way he puts plans in place to conquer his goals, and then does the hard work of sticking to those plans.

Ben also dealt with a little personal disappointment with his State and NXR races. I am so grateful that through it all, he maintained perspective on how incredible his gift is, and that while running is a part of who he is, he is also so much more.  At any given time, it is OK for him to feel disappointment, even when the race he had was amazing to everyone else.  But he should know that as his family, we may feel disappointed FOR him, on his behalf, but we never, EVER feel disappointed IN him.  He is a runner of integrity, strength, dedication, heart and discipline who ever impresses us with where his running legs take him!  Love your perseverance, love your heart, love your never-back-down attitude, love you, runner boy!  Congratulations!

Colorado Springs Metro League Championship: Fountain-Fort Carson High School; First Place 5A Boys; 16:30.32

Colorado State Region Five Championship: Monument Valley Park; First Place 5A Boys; 15:58.06

STATE: Norris-Penrose Event Center; Eleventh Place 5A; 16:23.1

*An incredible race, but Ben was a little frustrated with this race.  He got a gnarly side ache about 1K in and it didn't subside for the duration.  He was beat by boys he had beat at both CSML and Regionals, and felt he could have done better.  But as Coach Young said, "Now he's got a little bit of a chip on his shoulder.  Let's let that add to the fire."

He had all his varsity teammates sign his racing flats.

Fell dead asleep wrapped up in the soccer blanket in the grass at Tommy's soccer game.