Grant Union Middle School Runners Rise to New Challenge at Fort Walla Walla

Our Grant Union Middle School cross country runners delivered an inspiring day of growth Friday, Sept. 18, while taking on a new 2.5-kilometer course at Fort Walla Walla, Washington. The mostly grass route presented a different challenge from the packed paths our athletes had faced in previous meets, but the team responded with determination and continued its season-long progress.

Sam Bailey led our boys with a ninth-place finish in the middle school race, achieving his goal of placing in the top 10 while also setting a new personal best. Bailey’s hard work and drive throughout the season are becoming increasingly evident each time he races, and his performance at Fort Walla Walla was another strong step forward.

Shayann Gosnell paced our girls, finishing 20th in the middle school girls race and recording another personal best this season. Her result reflected the steady improvement seen throughout the team as our runners adapted to the feel of the grass course and pushed themselves over another 2.5K distance.

We are proud of the improvement shown by all of our racers. Athletes met personal goals through stronger finishing places, faster times and better running form during portions of the race. Their performances reflect the work ethic they continue to demonstrate in practice, from training in cool weather and racing in the heat to pushing through aches, fatigue and the challenge of catching their breath. That grit is helping our runners grow with every practice and every race.