On Saturday, the Fairbanks XC girls’ team will be represented by two runners at the state meet and hopes are high. Rachael Hoover will be making her third appearance at states, while freshman Mara Vacari will be making her debut. “These girls are true Panthers,” says head coach Mike Van Winkle. “I mean to go out and do what they did at Regionals was just unbelievable. The locked in on the job at hand, and performed above expectations. But now expectations are even higher, and I think that they both have a shot at all-Ohio.” The weather is supposed to be great for the meet, maybe a little on the warm side, which will be different than last year, when frost covered the ground.
“I’m just excited to run,” said Hoover. “It’s really all I think about. I mean, of course there’s still school to consider, but this time of year, it’s run, run, run. I’ve been preparing for this moment all season long, so you can expect to see that school record fall one more time. I’ve really got a shot this year at all-Ohio, and I don’t plan on letting that opportunity slip through my hands.”
Freshman Vacari isn’t quite sure what to think about the state meet. “I’ve heard legends about it all year long, and separating fact from fiction is really hard to do until I’m on the course. So we’ll just have to wait an see, but right now my legs feel fresh and I’m ready to run with Rachael.”
“The course itself is a beast,” said Van Winkle. “There are turns and loops like a roller coaster, and nearly the whole course will be lined with screaming fans and fast girls. You can expect the drama to be at a fever pitch for the entirety of the race. And I’ll be screaming alongside all the other fans. Nothing gets me hyped like the state meet. It’s what it all comes down to.” Meet information can be found below, and the bus leaves Fairbanks at 8:30, so be there!
Bus Depart Time - 8:30am from FHS Lobby
Live Results Link
http://live.finishtiming.com/meets/501208/events
OHSAA CC - Meet Information Link
Tickets Link
Course Map
