Letter to the Editor

Choose cross country

Sunday, November 3, 2013

To the Editor:

I would like to introduce the community to an outstanding group of young adults who represented the community and their school extremely well this fall.

The Northview boys' and girls' cross country teams both had outstanding seasons.

The boys' team qualified for the semi-state for the first time since 2001.

They also won the WIC and had the top finisher in senior Nic Yocum.

The girls' team qualified for the regional after finishing third in the conference.

Junior Ashley Kidwell finished second in the conference and qualified as an individual for the semi-state with the boys.

Although the season ended at the semi-state, it was refreshing to witness a group of young adults always put their team first in an individual sport.

Early in the season, the teams were dealt a life lesson when coach Chad Smith was diagnosed with ALS.

Soon after he told the team, they dedicated the rest of the season to him.

Before each meet, the team would huddle as a group and say a small prayer ending with a chant of Smith Strong.

Understandably, Coach Smith resigned from his position to spend more time with his young son and family.

Coach Chad Evans, with the help of Athletic Director Charlie Jackson and girls' coach Rexanne Laue, stepped in to help lead this group to greatness.

Although Coach Evans is not part of the school system, he stepped into a tough situation and embraced this group of boys and the boys embraced him as coach.

To be a part of the family atmosphere that revolves around both of these teams is truly refreshing.

To Nic, Ian, Travis, Chris and Taylor (the seniors), thanks for all the memories and the great leadership.

To the underclassmen on both teams that bar has been set high, but there is one more step and that is to go to state.

To all the parents out there who are looking for a sport for your child, cross country is a great sport for your child to get involved in, not only for the great health benefits, but also for the great family atmosphere that revolves around the Northview program.

Proud parents of a Northview runner,

Mark and Kaylee McCollum,

Brazil