Coach Visokey on State Finals

Team,

What an awesome year. You guys were absolutely fantastic at the California State Championship’s. Our second place finish was not only the highest finish by a Desert Christian cross country team, but was the highest finish by any team ever in the Antelope Valley at the State meet. Our team time of 83:05 was the fastest ever run by a DCHS team on the Woodward Park course at the State Championship, and was the second fastest run by a DCHS team on the course (we ran it in 82:20 at the Clovis Invitational earlier this year).

While the season finish was not perfect in comparison to where we were a month ago, it was a perfect in that we fought to the end and it was certainly storybook in nature. Clearly as a team we peaked about a month too early, but you guys never quit and rebounded fabulously. With the injury to Zac, Bryan running with a cold, and the meltdown we had at the Southern Section finals last week, many were in doubt that we would even finish in the top 3 at State. The final rankings before the State meet had us ranked 8^th. Coach Neil and I asked each of you to rely on the Lord to give you the strength you would need, and to walk away knowing you gave the best you had at the State meet. That is exactly what you did, clearly from the beginning of the season we were the second best team in the State and because you responded brilliantly yesterday, we finished in the spot that was rightfully ours. The only chance we ever had of beating St. Margaret’s was if every one of you had your best race of the season on exactly the same day. That almost never happens, so don’t be disappointed that we got 2^nd, I certainly am not. I am very proud of all of you. Our hard work paid off, you are champions in the eyes of your coaches, teammates, parents, and friends.

It is also very important that I recognize two individual very significant accomplishments from yesterday. Scott Acton’s time of 15:50 broke his own DCHS course record set last month by 2 seconds. Not only has Scott earned All-CIF honors twice, but he has now earned All-State honors for the second consecutive year with an overall 6^th place finish yesterday. He is the most decorated cross country runner in DCHS history. It is very important that I recognize the accomplishment of Zac Patten. Less than a month ago Zac suffered a very serious bone bruise, and at the time it appeared as though his season might be over. Zac told me that he would run at the State meet and give everything he had. I believe he did that and more. His time of 17:07 was only 20 seconds off of his mark from the Clovis Invitational on the same course in early October. If Zac had not run yesterday, and had not given everything he had, we would have finished 4^th. His performance yesterday was phenomenal, and the fact that he maintained his conditioning during his injury and the fact that he relied upon the Lord for his strength made a huge difference. Thank you and congratulations Zac.

Thomas, Bryan, Andrew, Ray, and Josh also ran very well. Thomas and Bryan made it so we had 3 runners in the top 20, Ray ran by far his best race of the year, and Josh performed fabulously after coming off of his 4^th consecutive all out effort this month. Jonathan, Jeff, and Wyatt provided outstanding moral and inspirational support to the 7 runners. In fact, there were reported sightings of them all over the course.

Remember, the season is not over yet. I look forward to the “One Mile Challenge” and the season concluding awards banquet. Clearly, the Lord has blessed us and we have much to celebrate.

In His Service,

Coach Visokey