This year, Placer high school’s cross country team is stronger than ever. With it’s largest turnout ever of fifty athletes, it’s runner’s have been fulfilling their motto of “Run hard! Be Strong! Think Big!”, logging miles in the American River canyon and the surrounding area since June 21st. Also, for the first time ever, Three freshman have stepped up to Girls Varsity, one of whom is an identical triplet that looks and sounds exactly like her two other sister who run on the freshmen team.

Taking first place in four out of six races, including University of Nevada Reno, varsity boys have a ranking of sixth overall in the Sac-Joaquin section and first in Division 3 schools. This success is due in large part to the many demanding and strenuous workouts, and most importantly, the leadership of head coach Randall Fee, who returns for his 13th year to lead the Hillmen’s fastest, and Kevin Vasquez, former head XC coach at Bear River joining this year as assistant coach.

Coach Vasquez brings new insight and talent to the table, including myofascial foam rollers designed to open up the fascia of the body. Fascia consists primarily of densely packed collagen fibers that create a full body system of sheets, chords and bags that wrap, divide and permeate every one of the muscles, bones, nerves, blood vessels and organs. Rolling can help to loosen the fascia and prevent injury and reduce soreness and tightness. Some of the workouts that arguably are the hardest but most rewarding are Figurates and 1000 meter repeats.

Figurates involve running two loops around the canyon with a major uphill at the end of each loop, three to four times, with increasing speed every time. 1000 meter repeats are just what they sound like, done three to four times, increasing speed each time. What exactly does it take to be a cross runner? Runners need a good pair of running shoes, preferably ones that are designed for their specific foot plant. A water bottle and light sports wear, and most importantly a positive attitude. Cross country is as much a psychological sport as it is a physical one, and confidence is what makes a good runner. One of the best things about Placer Cross country is the team camaraderie and friendship.

The team is a real class act on and off the course. On the academic side, Placer Cross Country runners have the highest GPA of any sport, including tennis. What is a race like? When Placer goes to a meet or invitational, everyone comes off the bus in uniform as a team. Then the “Pre” tent is deployed, and and each team does a warm up around the racecourse an hour before their race, always sipping on water to stay hydrated. Then the team stretches and heads to the start line ten minutes before the race.

Finally, the runners do several fast strides to get their heart rate up, and then are off on their race. Believing in one’s self and training can make or break a race sometimes. “The minute you believe that you can be broken, you will be broken” Coach Fee has warned. “Alot of the time in a race, It’s you versus yourself out there; Don’t be concerned with other runners, just run your own race” Fee has said many times.

This week, on Saturday, October 12th the Varsity boys will be racing in Woodward park in Clovis, CA, the same course as the state championships. They’ll be facing some large schools, and are looking forward to the opportunity. And most importantly, Placer boys will aiming for the famed Sections “Threepeat” which has never been done before in the history of Placer Cross Country. Go Pre!