Nederland High School team runs: The Nederland Girls’ Cross Country team at the State Meet in Colorado Springs, from left to right - Coach Gavin Coombs, Abigail Hess, Amika Begin, Eliza Brundege, Gray River Pearl.[/caption]

The Nederland High School Cross Country team finished up their 2023 season in October. It has been an exciting time for cross country at Nederland Middle-Senior High School (NMSHS). At the end of October the girls’ team went to the State meet in Colorado Springs.

Freshman Amika Begin ran on the Middle School Cross Country team and came into this season with some experience. Yet she said that she has “grown so much as a runner” in her first year in high school.

Begin says, “The most challenging thing I have found in races or just running in general is the massive mental block that you have to push through. There have been so many times when I think I can’t keep going, but I know I have to find a way to just keep pushing myself. I think that is one of my favorite things about this sport…when I break through that mental barrier it is a fully switched mindset. I feel like nothing can stop me.”

Coach Gavin Coombs proudly stated, “The girls went out and ran hard at Regionals and grabbed the last qualifying team spot out of our region.”

Begin commented that the Regional race in Lyons was one of the toughest races for her because of the expectation she put on herself. She really wanted to qualify for State. “I think Regionals went incredible, the whole girls’ team qualified for State and that was such a great moment to have with my teammates!”

After the State competition Coombs commented, “Every girl ran their best time of the season on what is typically a pretty challenging course. I can’t ask for anything more than that.”

This article is not intended to ignore the boys on Nederland’s cross country team. With two boys on the team it is more challenging to qualify for postseason races. According to the Colorado High School Activities Association (CHSSA) rules, “For 2A [schools], the top-five teams from each of the four regional championships, in addition to any athlete that finishes in the top-15 at regionals, will advance to the state meet. Full teams must consist of 4-8 members and will score four.”

Boys at Nederland High School, you should give cross county a try! There are fantastic sports offered at NMSHS and cross country is one of them. Next year Lukey Mahorski will be a senior and the only fourth-year runner on the team. Known to be the team’s leader, Mahorski could help build and encourage a boys’ cross country team. Let’s strengthen the cross country teams (boys’ and girls’) and urge participation.

Coombs shared, “We are rebuilding the great tradition of Nederland XC and it is really exciting to be a part of it. We’re already looking forward to a great track season and continuing to grow the XC program.”

Congratulations to the cross country runners and the coaches at NMSHS on a great season!

Nederland High School Girls’ Cross Country team members who participated in the State meet were: Amika Begin, Abigail Hess, Eliza Brundege, and Gray River Pearl.