Middle School Cross-Country Shines Bright at State Championship

The Sedona Red Rock Middle School has made history with the formation of its first cross-country team, marking a significant milestone for the Oak Creek School District. Under the leadership of head coach Cody McKesson, athletes prepared rigorously for the cross-country championship held on September 25 in Camp Verde.

This inaugural team includes standout runners Juni Spielman, Riggin McDaniel, Lelah Dubuque, and Mathew Martinez. Spielman, recognized as the most gifted runner in the school’s history, showcased her talent throughout the season, winning every race and concluding with an undefeated record at the championship.

“I was so shocked, because I was expecting everyone to be much faster than me,” Spielman reflected on her success. Despite initial doubts based on past experiences, she managed to maintain composure during races and perform at her best.

Throughout the season, Spielman faced challenges primarily during practices, which intensified over time. These demanding sessions pushed her to new limits, ultimately making race days feel less daunting. “It was a good way to challenge myself,” she noted.

Looking ahead, Spielman is eager to join the Sedona Red Rock High School cross-country team next year. However, her focus remains split as she balances commitments in swimming and potential participation in basketball as the season approaches.

For McDaniel, this season marked his first experience in cross-country. He excelled, finishing seventh in the boys’ championship race. This accomplishment boosted his confidence as he anticipates continuing his running journey into high school.

Ultimately, his primary motivation for joining the cross-country team was to enhance his stamina for mountain biking, his main sport. Despite facing challenges with pacing during races, he found support in McKesson, who praised his remarkable improvement. McDaniel started strong but steadily climbed the ranks to secure a top position in the championship.

Dubuque also performed commendably, securing 10th place in the championship. However, she expressed dissatisfaction, believing she could have achieved more with better pacing. Outside of cross-country, Dubuque enjoys soccer, reading, and creating art, finding motivation in the scenic trails Sedona offers.

Martinez concluded his first cross-country season with a respectable finish, placing 12th in the championship. Although he set a personal goal of breaking into the top 10, his consistent efforts led to noticeable progress. Looking forward, he aspires to achieve a top-five finish next season and aims to run a mile in under seven minutes.

Despite the success of the inaugural season, the program currently lacks a larger roster. However, the positive experiences and achievements of the team may inspire increased participation in the future. McKesson encourages prospective runners, especially those feeling out of place in traditional sports, to consider joining. He articulated how the team has fostered an inclusive environment, with parents reporting positive experiences of encouragement and acceptance, even from older athletes.