With countless practices, races, and miles behind them, the MHS Cross Country team is looking ahead to what could be the final week of racing.  For the senior runners, the District XC meet in Soda Springs on Thursday, October 24 may be their very last race as a Dragon athlete.    

The four seniors finish their season, each with their own special and individual place on the Malad XC team.  Head Coach Tia Talbot shared, “We have enjoyed having all of them on our team and appreciate the unique ways they contribute.”

Josh Pickett began running cross country as a junior but quickly began finding his own drive to run.  Pickett’s motivation, even in the midst of challenges, was inspiring to see in his final season.  Beginning the season with surgery, Pickett was determined to battle back.  He still attended practices and did what he could to train even while he was “out.”  As a senior,  Pickett ran a new PR in Preston only one week ago. Coach Talbot said, “He ran so well!  His time has improved every week. Soda Springs was his first race and it was a very difficult one to start on. I’m excited for him to run the course again at district.” 

Madelyn Shaw jumped into the cross country race her sophomore year.  Coach Talbot shared, “She’s pretty reserved most of the time but takes charge when necessary.”  Under the quiet surface, Shaw is a very determined, yet positive racer.  Her drive to set and accomplish goals, both individual and team, has provided great focus for herself and her teammates.  Those attributes have made Shaw a great leader as she served as one of the team’s co-captains.

Hadlee Summers, also co-captain,  has ran for Malad Cross Country beginning in 6th grade.  Coach Talbot commented that over the years, Summers has developed a leading role on the MHS team.  From helping set paces in their interval training to keeping things light hearted and fun, she made practices far more than just running a monotonous route.

Rounding out the senior racers is Brycen Talbot, who also began cross country in 6th grade.  As a high school runner, Talbot has qualified for state for three consecutive years.  Before his season begins and even after the season ends, Talbot puts miles in extra camps and races to expand his experience beyond the regular season.  Coach Talbot shared, “He brings a lot of experience to the team and enjoys sharing what he’s learned.”  As a co-captain, Talbot has worked hard to help set and keep everyone focused on team goals. He (and his co-captains) help to ensure everyone is accountable for “putting in the work” at practice.

Preston Invite

Preston City Golf Course,
Preston, Idaho

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Individual Results

Womens 5,000 M

11.  Aezlyn Summers 20:05.9

45.  Kaycee Venable 21:53.8

48.  Samantha Schrenk 22:05.6

58.  Ellie Angell 22:38.5 

62.  Kallee Talbot 22:41.0 

74.  Jenna Talbot 23:15.4

75.  Adi Schow 23:17.2

77.  Brielle Bastian 23:24.7

101.  Bella Burbidge 24:30.8

148.  Madelyn Shaw 27:17.6 

Mens 5,000 M

13.  Boston Burbidge 16:45.5

24.  Levi Angell 17:13.3

26.  Brycen Talbot 17:18.3

55.  Braun Nalder 18:06.6

59.  Carter Smith 18:08.2

67.  Brex Martinsen 18:23.1

69.  Dawson Beutler 18:24.7

73.  Jaxon Blaisdell 18:32.7

108.  Trigger Jones 19:30.5

118.  Joshua Pickett 19:50.0

125.  Caden Jeppson 19:57.6

151.  Cameron Allen 20:47.7

156.  Evan Colton 20:54.9

164.  Kayson Neal 21:04.5