My goal this year was to reroute the trail in a way that would 1) eliminate errors by the runners, 2) allow for spectators to watch their favorite athlete for a longer duration, and 3) be coach-friendly. It is my belief that all three were accomplished.
First, the trail didn't cross over itself like the previous route did. One of my runners reflected on a near-collision last year where the trail crossed over itself. Another mishap that occurred was when an athlete shortened her race by cutting out about 200 meters near the end bumping her up about eight spots at the finish line. Whether inadvertent or not, she was disqualified, and thus miserable about the results, I'm sure. Second, with the first two miles located on the front nine of the golf course, spectators were able to see much more of the race than if it was in the back nine. Not only that, but with the trail running nearer to the two ponds, it invited photographers to capture spectacular images. And third, the starting line, first mile mark, second mile mark, and finish line were all brought closer together. Actually, the starting line was in the same area as before. The first mile split was in about the same area as the previous layout but in the reverse direction. The second mile mark was moved from way back at the top of Heart Attack Hill on hole 15 to a point situated between the one mile and finish line. Finally, the finish line was moved closer to the clubhouse. This allowed for a shorter distance for coaches to travel to turn in their results while on their way back to the starting line for the next race.
Believe it or not, some of the Tigers claimed it wouldn't be the same running down Heart Attack Hill instead of up. Afterwards, though, one of those same runners said the new trail actually seemed tougher. One of the coaches who has been attending this meet for several years had similar thoughts. It is climbing Heart Attack Hill that makes this course what it is. Because of these sentiments, there is a possibility that it will have slight changes next year to reverse the direction of the third mile, but the first two miles would remain virtually unchanged. The only problem this may cause is with the Freshman Boys' 2-mile race. There will be plenty of time to think about it.
For now, though, it is important to share the results of the Excelsior Springs Tigers team. The first race was the Varsity Girls. Micaela Lynch, Katelen Moerschel, and Dani Pair blazed through the new trail on its "maiden voyage." There were 68 girls racing from the start. Interestingly enough, Dani and Micaela were side-by-side crossing the finish line with Katelen right on their heels. Katelen was the only one to reach a personal record. She did so by about 2 seconds. More importantly, though, was that it was on a tough, hilly course. That bodes well for her with the end of the season approaching. The next three meets are on much flatter courses. All three girls earned medals and with the disqualification of two girls ahead of them who were running barefoot, they moved up a couple more spots in the meet rankings.
Next was the Varsity Boys race. There were 82 boys who ran this 5k distance. Christian Carter and Ben Hartwig set out to improve their best course times from past races. Both seemed to step up to the challenge. Christian was in fourth at the first mile marker, third at the second mile, and he finished in second place only 15 seconds behind a District competitor from Platte County. Ben came very close to getting under 20 minutes once again. He shouldn't have any problems doing so at the next three meets as the season winds down.
The Freshmen Boys 2 mile race and the Girls Junior Varsity 5k race were run simultaneously as it has been done for many years at Excelsior Springs. The junction at which the boys separate from the girls was at the top of the hill prior to the one mile mark for the 5k races. Their one mile mark would occur prior to joining up with the third mile of the 5k trail. The remainder would be their second mile.
Of the 35 boys, there were none representing Excelsior Springs, but four girls of the 64 running in the 5k race represented the Tigers. Of those, April Stodgel achieved her first personal record of the season and earned a medal. Kim Parkin ran her second race of the season following a family vacation. Although she didn't beat her personal record, she shows a tremendous determination and aspirations of an exciting future as a strong runner. Ali Stodgel was experiencing some soreness in her back which slowed her time down. Autumn closed in on her personal record missing it by only 20 seconds. She continues to improve.
The final race belonged to the Boys Junior Varsity with 66 running. Excelsior Springs was represented by a team of five again with Bailey Dolata leading the pack finishing fifth, Brent Shelor placing 15th, Seth Edwards 16th, Logan Stock 18th, and Lane Rogers recovering from some type of bronchial problem coming in at 40th. Bailey, Brent, Seth, and Logan each earned medals.
In all, there were 14 Tiger runners, nine of whom earned medals, two personal records, eight course best times, and six course first timers. It is my hope that the new trail layout on this course (or a successor trail) will become a new tradition for Excelsior Springs.