The gun sounds. A mob of runners alll take off from their starting positions inpursuit of the same goal.
Turning the final corner and sprinting to the finish line with nothing but grass in the way.
It’s the thrill of victory. A feeling that only one runner can feel per race.
Junior Valerie Reina is one of the few runners that ever had the privilege of crossing the finish line with the knowledge that on this day she was the best.
“It’s a relief to see that I made it,” said junior Valerie Reina.
Even after winning the title of best runner in the 7A West conference Reina is not satisfied. She knows that she has more to give.
“Sometimes I want to do more than just win,” said Reina. “I take advantage of just being able to win and I don’t put everything I can into the races.”
Reina and every other runner have one last chance to give everything they can and leave it all out on the course.
The state meet will offer this years last chance to compete.
“They [the team] have had a great week and a half of practice sense the conference meet. They are all ready to run very well,” said Coach Brett Unger.
“This is my last chance to prove to myself and everyone else what I can do,” said Senior Nicole Pianalto.
The team is busy preparing and they are using their fourth place finish at conference to propel them to a possible state championship.
The team has been improving throughout the year and is poised to make a statement with confidence on their side.
“Reina will have to run very smart and tough like she did at confernce to win state,” said Unger
“I was able to beat Maggie Montoya [Rogers runner] at conference even after she has beat me twice this year which really builds up my confidence going into state,” said Reina.
Just as Reina turned the final corner and sprinted across the finish line of her race, the team is headed towards it’s final chance to make a statement in the state of Arkansas.