2005 Sac-Joaquin Section Cross Country Championships
Lots of photos below - scroll down to view
After months and months of training, racing, team bonding, and pasta feeds, the big day finally arrived. The section championships - the culmination of a season for all Davis runners except those hoping for a berth at the state championships.
The Sac-Joaquin section cross country championships are rich in history and tradition. The boys championships have been contested since 1947, and the girls since 1975. A new and incredibly powerful tradition is being built by DHS. It's not the number of championship banners that this tradition is about. It's about the growing number of fans and well wishers who watch the section meet and cheer like crazy! Last year I called this group "the 8th runner" and felt that they were our secret weapon. It's hard to estimate the numbers, but there is no question that scores and scores of DHS fans came to the championships on November 11th. DHS supporters were cheering for Blue Devil runners at every corner! Just as important as the voices of encouragement were the painted signs, musical instruments, Mardi Gras beads, roses, finger nails painted blue, and the now famous DHS super flag.
The flag is the brainchild and labor of love of several members of our team, notably Brian Bartlett, Matt Solomon, and Scott Halliday. Joaquin Fraga, Yuta Shiraki, Bren Winbrock, Andrew Benware, and Clayton Halliday (Scott's dad) also put in great efforts into the flag project. At the section meet, Ty Motekaitis took on the role of flag bearer and he did his job so incredibly well! Several coaches from other teams commented on how amazing the flag was.
Other examples of our incredible team spirit include Soren Christian strumming his guitar all alone at a far turn on the course and the aroma of hamburgers and sausage being grilled in the team area by a band of junior varsity boys. The images of DHS team spirit abound. Take some time to visit the Yahoo Groups sites with photos posted from the whole season.
The bottom line is this - DHS cross country is much more than a random group of people, much more than an ordinary team; we are a community. We are a community where all are welcome regardless of their athletic ability and all are appreciated for their unique personalities and talents.
Thanks to runners, friends, and families for everything you've brought to our team. You all should be very proud of what we've become!
Claire, Lucy, and Marissa (left to right) bring it home at the Sac-Joaquin Section Cross Country Championships.
DHS super fans (a.k.a. the 8th runner) cheer for Monica during the JV girls race!
DHS XC Rock Star, Soren Christian, gets ready to rally his teammates!
Ty Motekaitis - the best flag bearer DHS has ever seen!
The DHS BBQ team preps post race food for hungry runners and spectators!
Alex displays the latest in DHS fashion!
DHS - always flying high!
