Cross country meet “Clash with the Titans” took place on Saturday, September 12, at HVHS, where runners competed in a 5K. More than 600 individuals ran in this race representing over 30 schools, while their family and friends supported from the sidelines.

This course was on school grounds and consisted of 5 separate races—varsity boys, varsity girls, middle school girls, middle school boys, and the combined JV boys and girls. As the first cross country meet hosted by HVHS this school year, it was extremely important.

Unfortunately, there was an unexpected setback: during the girls’ middle school race, some runners trampled on a yellow jacket nest resulting in many stings and many tears. As a result, there was a course change halfway through the middle school boys’ race. Coaches quickly designed a new running path, utilizing bystanders to help guide the runners through the new trail. Despite the efforts to create a new course and allow the race to continue, some runners struggled with the alterations.

Lila Barone (11), who ran right after the course change, says, “I felt much less motivated in my abilities to run this course; I am very used to training on this course and was completely caught off guard.” Another participant, Fiona Ramey (11), said that her key to success was to have an open mindset about the course change and that however she ran, she would not be disappointed in herself.

Even with the crazy course changes, Hidden Valley earned 3^rd place overall, with one of our own, Enzo Coniglione (11), getting 6^th in the varsity boys and Lilah Harding (9), getting 5^th in varsity girls.

All runners, coaches, and volunteers worked hard to help make this a memorable race. Despite the challenges, Clash of the Titans turned out to be a triumphant event.