Our final group is the guys distance crew. This is another group of amazing Panthers. These four put in countless hours of running, weights, yoga, and other cross training to reach a top level. We are very grateful for their leadership and the positive impressions they will leave on a young distance crew coming up.
Tyler Hanson - Tyler is a great example of hard work and consistency. Throughout his four years, Tyler worked his way onto the Varsity XC squad (something he never thought he'd be able to do). In our only invite of the year, Tyler was able to start the season off, right where he'd left off last year and was ready to go get some big PRs this season. At SC Invite Tyler ran a 2:15, just 2 seconds off his PR and a 5:01, just 3 secs off his PR. Over his four years, no one could ever question Tyler's determination. No matter the day, no matter the workout, Tyler was out there like a work horse pushing himself and his teammates to give their very best.
Dakota Shammo - Dakota came to us his Junior year after competing in soccer for the first couple years of HS. Like Tyler, Dakota reached the level of Varsity XC runner this season and helped the team place 4th at State. And like so many others, Dakota was in great shape and ready to put down some very good times this track season after a difficult off-season where he was involved in a very serious car accident. His PRs during his only full season of track were 2:16 (800) and 4:58 (1600). At the SC Invite, Dakota was just a couple seconds off these times. Dakota will always be know for his great personality and ability to bring his teammates of different backgrounds together (I mean... do we even know his ethnicity yet?!) and have everyone laughing on long runs.
Luke Huddleston - Why do you awesome runners keep joining us so late? Luke also joined us as a Junior after playing soccer early in HS. In his short 1 1/2 years, Luke became a Panther distance great. After making Varsity in his first year of XC and helping the team to a State Title, Luke took over the number one spot this season and earned First Team All-State honors with a 4th place individual finish at state. He followed that up with a 2nd place finish in the open race at NSW and a strong finish at Foot Locker West. In track, Luke was already destroying things this season. He had run PRs of 4:32 and 9:43 in the only race of the season and qualified to return to state in the 3200. Based on his training and determination, I don't think its too much to say that Luke would have given the school record in the 3200 and maybe even 1600 a good push this season. Beyond his running, Luke will be remembered for his commitment and passion. His greatest goals were always for team success and development.
Caleb Adams - One of the greatest examples of hard work and commitment among not only our seniors, but our whole program is Caleb. Caleb began his Freshman year with a 5:54 1600 and was able to run a 5:05 PR at the SC Invite before the shut down. he also a huge 58 second PR in the 3200. Caleb had a goal of a sub 5 mile this year and there is no doubt he would have gotten that. Caleb has inspired so many of us with his drive and diligence. Even while taking mostly college college courses, Caleb was always committed to his workouts and to his team.
So we've reached the end of our Salutes to Seniors. Thanks all of you for being so amazing. So sorry that you weren't given a full chance to show all that you can do. But I have no doubt that you'll all be stronger and go do great things because of the lessons you have learned through track. And I also know that you've left a great legacy here at PV. We love you and we'll miss you!
