Team Spotlight - Ogden HS, Ogden, Utah
This interview features the Ogden High School (Ogden, Utah) boys’ and girls’ teams; interview with Don Hall, co-head coach.
In 2011, the Ogden boys were Utah State 3A Cross Country champions. In 2012, Ogden returns all seven of their top seven led by Jordan Cross (senior; 2nd in State XC, 2nd in State 3200m, 5k XC PR – 15:29.26, 3200m PR – 9:27.48), Mike Buckley (junior, 4th in State XC, 2nd in State 3200, 3m XC PR – 15:37.50, 3200m PR – 9:56.49), Carson Garner (senior, 3m XC PR – 15:54.60) and Justin Sheets (junior, 3mXC PR – 15:54.60). The Ogden girls were third in Utah 3A, and lost only state champion Jamie Stokes of their top seven to graduation. They’re led by Sarah Feeny (junior, 2nd in State XC, 5th in NXN SW XC; 5k XC PR – 17:46.44, 3200m PR – 10:51.15), Avery Calton (senior, 5kXC PR – 18:31.80, 1st in State 800, 800m PR – 2:11.62, 1600m PR – 5:02.39), Melissa Garrett (senior, 5k XC PR – 19:07.86), and Jessica Sams (senior, 5k XC PR – 19:41.15).
Both Ogden teams are off to a good start in 2012, winning among a typically strong Utah field at the Highland Invitational, with the boys going 2nd, 9th, and 13th up front; and girls going 1st , 5th, and 12th.
==============================================================
School, location (city, state) -
Ogden HS, Ogden, Utah
Team (boys, girls, both) –
Boys & Girls
Head Coaches -
Don Hall and Alydia Barton
Assistant Coach(es) –
Missy Allred and Patrick Cross
Top (national level) athletes; name, grade, PR’s –
Girls:
> Sarah Feeny (junior), NXN qualifier, NXR-SW-Top 5; 2d at State XC, to graduated teammate Jamie Stokes and Utah 3A State 3200m Champion, Sub 5:00-1600m and sub 11:00-3200m.
> X-factor girl, Senior-Avery Calton, State XC Champion as a 9th Grader and returning from soccer injuries, won State 800m this past Spring. > Other top girls: Jessica Sams & Melissa Garrett - low 11:00 min 3200m and 37 min 10K's this summer.
> 6 of 7 Girls return.
Boys :
> Jordon Cross (senior), NXN, NXR-SW-Top 5, 2d at State XC and 3200m to Park City HS’s Ben Saarel. Jordon ran a 29min 10K this summer.
> Mike Buckley- 4th at State XC and sub 10min 3200m, 31min-10K.
> Justin Sheets & Carson Garner- 10:06 3200m and 32 min 10K's.
> All 7 Boys back from 2011 3A State Championship Team.
Key(s) to the success of your team –
Ogden is a "small" 3A school, but blessed with talent, and more importantly - a solid work ethic. "There is No Off Season”! The kids have the desire to win and the work ethic to back it up.
Your favorite meet(s) –
Our favorite meets are Bob Firman in Boise; State; NXR-SW; and Hopefully-NXN !
What do you most love about cross country -
Hard Work Pays Off!! XC demands discipline and dedication. You are only as good as your 5th runner. XC championships require a "Team Commitment".
Teams you most enjoy competing against –
The girls must face 5A Davis and 3A Park City; while the boys want to run against nationally ranked 5A Davis and American Fork. 3A Park City and Bear River boys are State rivals. Utah has proven, national level, outstanding distance programs; and we are proud to be among them
Team goals for the season -
Our team goals are to win State; be nationally ranked; & place well enough at NXR-SW to run NXN !
=====================================================
Visit the Ogden MileSplit webpage at https://ut.milesplit.com/teams/OGDEN .
