Cross Country

We learned this week that as a sixth grader C can participate in cross country at the local junior high school.  This was exciting news for all of us, especially C.  We quickly got the necessary paperwork, physical, and fees taken care of so that he could participate in his first meet on Thursday at Moore Park.

I almost cried when I saw him in his uniform looking so handsome, and (sigh) grown-up...

He performed incredibly.  He was the first finisher for Ponderosa (the school he represents), and as the youngest member of a team made up predominantly of seventh and eighth graders this is impressive. 

The course was challenging, if you know Moore Park, you know the hills.  Here is the course map:

Here he is at about the mid-point of the race. Here he was in the top third of the racers and I was a little concerned when I saw him, I thought he was fading.

But the next time I saw him was near the finish line.  I saw the first gold uniform headed toward the finish line in the distance.  I thought it might be C, but I wasn't sure.  I couldn't believe that he would have passed so many other racers.  I turned to the mom who was next to me and said, "Who is that first Ponderosa boy?"  She replied excitedly, "That is C!!!!"

He finished in in fifth place overall.  He was the first sixth grade finisher overall, and the first finisher for Ponderosa!  Not bad for his first cross-country meet.  I was one proud mama at the finish line.  Kept my composure, but wanted to burst out into tears.  So happy for him, and proud of his heart.  He is a fierce competitor and is completely willing to put all of his effort and then some into his activities.  Oh I LOVE these boys!!!