Rocky Mtn News

MCHS cross-country team returns from 5-day camp

Todd Trapp took 14 students to Rocky Mountain National Park for five days, but not just for the scenery and fresh air.

Trapp, the Moffat County High School cross-country head coach, said he has been taking runners to the park for five years for a cross-country team camp.

This year, the team camped out and ran July 17 to 21 on Grand Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park.

“The camp helps to get the kids going in the summer and out of town,” Trapp said. “They get to run on trails and in different areas than they have been running, so it really helps get them prepared for the season.”

Assistant coaches Jennifer Pressgrove and Drew Morris helped Trapp train the team.

Trapp said the younger runners ran about 25 to 40 minutes every day, while the juniors and seniors ran anywhere from 55 to 75 minutes.

“Everyone started gradual and than saw how long they could go,” he said. “We had about four or five incoming freshmen who are brand new to cross-country and we also had some seasoned runners to help them out.”

Trapp said the camp is an important preseason activity for the team so they are in shape and ready for the regular season.

“It is important for each kid to be with their teammates and coaches to train as well as doing it on their own,” he said. “The younger kids got a chance to see what will be expected of them when the season comes, and it gave everyone a chance to continue getting in shape.”

Without summer training, Trapp said, the regular season would be more difficult for the entire team.

“We just want the kids to build a base during the summer and do as much as possible for them,” he said. “If we had to start the season by getting runners into shape, they would not be able to do as much as the season progressed.

Whether they play basketball, soccer or are running in the summer, it all really helps get them ready for the season.”

Incoming senior Alfredo Le-

bron, who placed fourth in the cross-country state meet last season, said he has been running all summer, but being with teammates helps.

“When you run by yourself, it is tougher to get motivated,” he said. “It is a matter of, ‘Do I want to run today or not?’

When you are with other people, however, you don’t want to let them down by not running, so you get up and do it.”

Lebron said he was logging three runs a week before camp, and now after camp is completing about four or five runs a week.

Ubaldo: Thanks for the memories! | One Stop News Stand

I had the chance to see Ubaldo pitch recently at Coors Field against the Braves. His stuff that night was electric. I guess not electric enough to keep him off of the trading block. He will be missed. The Rox picked up some good prospects which is always helpful, but it’s still hard to see such a great pitcher get traded. More details about the deal can be found here: http://www.denverpost.com/rockies/ci_18591786 and a great column by my old friend from the Rocky Mountain News, Mr. Dave Krieger

I added the Caption Contest in the sidebar and you can continue to add your caption entries by clicking right on the cartoon!