This year’s Lions Cross Country Classic was a resounding success for Littleton High School. Held on a crisp afternoon at deKoevend Park in Centennial, the team fought their way to the top against countless other high schools from around the state.
Last year’s Lions Classic was canceled, but the comeback this year was well worth the wait. Though the team has already begun their season, revelations about the importance of relying on one another have only just begun to solidify for newer members.
Freshman Maren Moore said, “I really like the team…[sometimes] I don’t even know why I come back every day because it hurts, and then I’m just like ‘Oh! There’s the people. That’s why I’m here,’” Evidently, the team works together to push through such a daunting sport.
Junior McAllister Stewart concurred, describing the race as difficult, but doable with support from others. “It was hard, but it was a lot of fun. I mean, throughout the entire race the girls really pushed, and they pushed me a lot…Scarlett [Montoya] came out of absolutely nowhere and completely kicked it into high gear. It was really cool to watch…”
Montoya, a junior on the varsity team has participated in cross country since her freshman year. At this meet, she placed eleventh in the girl’s varsity race, running her fastest time this season.
Although the race was difficult, moments of camaraderie gave competitors the hope that good was to come. “[My favorite part of the race was] probably mile two, where we had four of our Littleton girls packing, which is a big group, all together running the second mile and really pushing each other, so that was a lot of fun,” explained Stewart.
Junior Sawyer Gannon elaborated on the team’s successes together. “…as a team we ran really good today…we’ve had some interesting races but also some really good races and it was a fun day…” Gannon placed ninth, continuing his streak of leading the pack.
Between races, the team spent time together, discussing their performances and bonding with one another. The cross country team is notorious for being one of the most closely-knit sports teams at Littleton, a trait that has led them to exhilarating highs. Their connection with one another fueled their fighting spirit.
The energy at this race was high and positive. Smiles of glee and sweaty hugs illustrated the love that each member of the team has for the sport. With the sun high in the air and students running around to talk to each other, the joy in the air was palpable. Even Mr. Stutzman joined in on the fun, riding his bike in front of the runners to warn onlookers to get out of the way.
Though she didn’t run in the race, senior Elianajoy Volin attended the meet to cheer on her teammates. “I love the team and all the lovely people. We have fun pasta dinners before every race and we’re all just so supportive and kind,” commented Volin.
In the end, the girl’s varsity team placed third overall and the boy’s team placed second.
Runners Holly Burns, Sydney Sheldon, McAllister Stewart, Tatum Pratt, the aforementioned Scarlett Montoya, and Anika Bagal all placed within the top twenty of the girl’s varsity race. Bagal, a sophomore, placed sixth and beat her all-time record.
For the boy’s team, Cameron Graham, Reese Gosling, Luke Suro, the aforementioned Sawyer Gannon, Dan Lamey, and Grady Redding each placed in the top twenty of the boy’s varsity race. Notably, senior Grady Redding placed second.
Undoubtedly, it is this team’s dedication to one another that gave them the strength to succeed. Their consistent performances speak for themselves, painting a portrait of companionship, perseverance, and pride for their school. Much triumph is to come for the Littleton cross country team in the next leg of their season.
