Aspen poses unique challenge for Titans x-country runners

“It was a very challenging course with the first mile all uphill,” says assistant coach Sam Van De Velde. “It was a more traditional cross-country course where you couldn’t really even see your footing.” Nevertheless, the Titans rolled with it and the coaches used the opportunity to ask the runners to push themselves and brought the team aspect of cross-country racing to the forefront. “I told the kids that if they can do well here, they can do well anywhere,” explains Van De Velde. “They bought into it and embraced the challenge.” Aiden Truettner put together another great effort, taking off from the start line with the lead pack and staying in the hunt all five kilometers to place fourth. Conrad Truettner was next in line for the Titans in 56th place and Joe Hayes had his best race of the season so far, stepping up to the challenging conditions. “Joe Hayes put everything together in Aspen,” says Van De Velde. The call up to varsity came through on the girls’ team. Sierra D’Aquila, Caitlin De Compiegne, Mia Shanks and Bradley Santelli all made the jump to join Sam Crossett in the varsity race. “We pulled everyone up and they were ready for the challenge,” says Van De Velde. Crossett led the young team in Aspen, placing 31st and remaining right where she has been all season. “Sam has just been so consistent, she’s our true girls leader,” says Van De Velde. “Her consistency has been a key component to the team.” The rest of the girls all rose to the occasion as D’Aquila finished in 55th place and De Compiegne, Shanks and Santelli finished together in 61st through 63rd place. “Caitlin and Sierra had really good varsity races,” says Van De Velde. “They all got key experience that will pay off at regionals.” The team will spend the next week training and edging into the season of tapering workouts to prepare for the post-season, including a pool workout for the team this week. “We’re going to lower the volume but the quality stays pretty good,” says Van De Velde. The Titans will head to Montrose this weekend for the annual Montrose Relays and then set their sights on regionals October 17 in Delta.