The Hidden Valley Cross Country team traveled to Green Hill Park, Salem to compete in the state championships on Saturday, November 8th, running with other teams in hopes of going to the national championships. They have spent almost six months training to run their best times, spending hot summer days running along the greenway up until the leaves are falling off the trees during workouts. Many miles and hard work have made a great season for the Titans.

The states contenders consisted of seven girls and three boys, with the top boy, Enzo Coniglione, coming in 8th place, and the top girl, Lilah Harding, coming in 38th. For the girl’s team, Hidden Valley came in 10^th place overall, with over 30 other teams against us. Running during a cool and breezy day in the 50’s, the Titans prepared to compete at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.

Being the first time in 5 years the girls’ team qualified for states, every single runner this year has shown resilience and immense improvement. Charlotte Hieber (10) shared her thoughts on the team making states: “I am incredibly proud that we as a full team were able to make it to states, especially since only a few individuals made it last year. Everybody worked so hard to get here, and our progress and improvement was definitely shown throughout the season.” She’s had a great season bringing her times down and staying consistent, she has cheered for the team countless times and been a great teammate to everyone. Her motivation is that “everyone cheers for everybody, builds each other up and pushes one another to succeed and to become the best athlete they can be”.

Along with Charlotte, Brittyn Havens (11) has made a memorable season, improving significantly “by training hard and showing up to practice every day, pushing myself even when I don’t feel like doing it.” Reflecting this year, she stated that her “team and coaches have pushed me this season by being there for me and celebrating my accomplishments with me”.

Overall, the Titans have made it a great year, overcoming countless injuries throughout the team and coming back even stronger. This was an impressive season, countless achievements encouraging even more runners to exceed, rounding off a notable 2025 cross-country season.