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The 2025 Div. II CROSS COUNTRY STATE RUNNER UP TEAM…Only 3 points from 1st, but at the team tent no one within 100 feet of this area could tell that we had finished 2nd. Perhaps because this team was very excited and outwardly loud and proud of their most recent accomplishment. Bettering 27 other teams in the second largest classification in which we decided to run up in division the last 4 years. Or perhaps because of not 1, 2 or 3, but 4 eighth graders that had earned their spots in the Top 7 to toe the line. And not even because of all of the tears on the starting line, not out of fear or being scared, but because they were sad that this was their last race together during this very special season. This team of runners, the 14 that made the trip and the others on the team, worked extremely hard all season long, while at the same time grew closer with each other through their team outings, going to mass together and doing other things together, building friendships and togetherness along the journey. The runners knew that if they trusted their training and race experiences, they would have a very good chance of bringing home a piece of hardware.

After warm ups and strides, the starter called for everyone’s attention, gave his final instructions and bang, the 3 mile race had begun. No more time for nerves, just do what comes naturally to them and be those great competitors and teammates that they are and race your hearts out. The race was a blur and as they passed their coaches and fans at least eight times over the 3 mile race, one could see the determination of each runner on their faces. 1st mile, looking in good and nice positions…2nd mile, made some important moves and passes that moved the team up closer to the front…and the 3rd, well, so fast and exciting that none of us knew what the final outcome would be. After what seemed like 15 minutes, the announcer made that wonderful call for 2 teams to please make their way to the infield for the trophy presentation. And so it was with great pride and satisfaction that once again that your Academy of the Sacred Heart Cardinals fought and earned another trophy for the trophy case . Great Job CARDINALS!

…Only 3 points from 1st, but at the team tent no one within 100 feet of this area could tell that we had finished 2nd. Perhaps because this team was very excited and outwardly loud and proud of their most recent accomplishment. Bettering 27 other teams in the second largest classification in which we decided to run up in division the last 4 years. Or perhaps because of not 1, 2 or 3, but 4 eighth graders that had earned their spots in the Top 7 to toe the line. And not even because of all of the tears on the starting line, not out of fear or being scared, but because they were sad that this was their last race together during this very special season. This team of runners, the 14 that made the trip and the others on the team, worked extremely hard all season long, while at the same time grew closer with each other through their team outings, going to mass together and doing other things together, building friendships and togetherness along the journey. The runners knew that if they trusted their training and race experiences, they would have a very good chance of bringing home a piece of hardware.

After warm ups and strides, the starter called for everyone’s attention, gave his final instructions and bang, the 3 mile race had begun. No more time for nerves, just do what comes naturally to them and be those great competitors and teammates that they are and race your hearts out. The race was a blur and as they passed their coaches and fans at least eight times over the 3 mile race, one could see the determination of each runner on their faces. 1st mile, looking in good and nice positions…2nd mile, made some important moves and passes that moved the team up closer to the front…and the 3rd, well, so fast and exciting that none of us knew what the final outcome would be. After what seemed like 15 minutes, the announcer made that wonderful call for 2 teams to please make their way to the infield for the trophy presentation. And so it was with great pride and satisfaction that once again that your Academy of the Sacred Heart Cardinals fought and earned another trophy for the trophy case . Great Job CARDINALS!