Bob Conley Invitational

Highland's "home" cross country meet was held this week. The Bob Conley Invitational is named after (obviously) Bob Conley who was the cross country coach at Highland High School from 1981-1990. Coach Conley won 10 state championships (9 boys, 1 girls) during his career at Highland High.  His boys team won 1984 National Cross Country Championship (XC Legacy series published through Milesplit.us)

The meet was held just three days after the Dani Bates Invitational so the kids were a little worn down. Attendance was light this year due to some uncertainties about race even being held. We had a coaching change this year and our new coach was hired very late (a couple of weeks before the season).  Because of the late change, most teams who normally attend the meet had made other plans. Coach Gulden split his team (Black & White) to compete against Bear Lake and American Falls.

Coach Gulden used this race to start preparing for District's which are to be held ten days. He instructed the kids to work on their pace and actually held a workout after the race. Times were not that great.  Raegan took 3rd with a time of 21:29 which was about 30 seconds off her time two days prior.

300m into the race.  Looking more like a "fun run" today.  Coach Gulden split the teams into Black and White....

First time up the hill.  This is a pretty steep incline.

1800m into the race

Heading down the hill in the first of two loops

Second time up the hill

Last time down the hill

1000m left

Final 50m

Marilyn and Raegan discuss the race

Marilyn and Raegan at the Bob Conley Invitational

Top 15

Raegan with Coach Conley

Practice after the race...... Notice they are all hitting the timers on their watches as they time their 400m splits