The third and final Trans-Valley League meet is arguably the most important meet of the cross-country season. This year, the meet took place on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Ceres. TVL #3 is important for two reasons. First, it is the last chance for Ripon to outrun its competition and win the TVL league. Second, TVL #3 is where the awards are given to runners, so you want to make sure you run your best possible race. The awards are based on JV and varsity boys and girls, given to the top seven individuals and top three teams.
Lucas DeVera, a sophomore at Ripon High, is one of Ripon’s top varsity boys runners. He placed eighth among individual runners, and when asked how Ripon did overall, he said, “We did pretty well, we have a really strong team. I think it was a lot better than last year, but Hughson still is a state-level team.” Hughson is Ripon’s biggest competitor in cross-country and took most of the awards in TVL #3. Even competing against state-level teams in the TVL, Ripon placed well. JV girls placed second for teams and had a number of runners place in the individual category. JV boys placed first in teams and also had many runners place individually. Varsity girls placed third overall with two runners placing individually, and varsity boys placed second.
Ailin Delgado, a junior at Ripon High School and a third-year runner, races for varsity girls. Delgado commented on the course itself, “I like the course, I just do not like the grass start. I could definitely improve on better pacing myself and getting better at going up the hill. The downhills made the course easier, but the uphills were difficult.” The course in Ceres has been run by the upperclassmen many times, as it was the designated TVL course two years ago and has been run twice this year. The course is famous for having one giant hill at the end of the race. This hill makes the course especially difficult, as the last 200 meters of the race require sprinting right after climbing a big hill.
The Trans-Valley League’s big competitors and big hills did not stop Ripon runners from running their best race, and did not stop Ripon from placing top three in all levels. The next race for cross-country is sub-sections at Frogtown, with only two more races until the season is over. Good luck, Ripon High cross-country!
