Privileged to assistant coach the Durango Middle School Cross Country Team to an awesome season (the Girls Team went undefeated in all five meets – Aztec, Bayfield, Pagosa, Mancos and Cortez).
Thank you: Chad MacCluskey, Escalante Middle School teacher and head coach of Durango Trail Runners. Coach Mac has, for 13 years, spearheaded his Middle School XC Runners to phenomenal, yet unforced performances. DTR kids faithfully remained at each finish line, some still coughing from exertion, to deliver high-fives to every finisher regardless of school or time. Assistant coaches and visiting “celebs”: Bryan Bagdoll of Escalante, the one and only Jack Turner and Mike Ellis, who coached and took incredible race photos. To Anna Smagacz, Tad Elliot, Evan Elliot, the Durango High School XC Team, Brett Sublett and his FLC XC Team. These experienced racers made such positive impressions on the kids.
Finally, gratitude to the DTR parents! In this age of kids dependent on computers and cellphones for entertainment, the toughness of XC racing is the anti-venom for spiritual lethargy by way of inner attainment. Go, XC kids!
From Coach Mac’s program this season, two girls will represented Durango at the Colorado State Middle School XC Championships, Oct. 19, at Ferringer Ranch Park, Denver.
Head bowed, spirit vowed,
Steve Ilg
