3rd place is good enough for Grand

Thousands of hikers, recreationalists and even runners flock to Moab each year to spend time exploring the red rocks and surroundings.

The Grand High School girls cross country team runs over, around and up and down this area in training for competition, but no one would describe these girls as recreational nor casual in the least degree.

Red Devils coach Bernie Radcliffe's voice tailed off not wanting to describe the unpleasant details of several of his girls' condition at the conclusion of the state 2A cross country championships held at Sugarhouse Park.

"Seeing my runners run as hard as they did ..." he said. "These girls gave me everything they had. Each one gave me their best performance of the year."

And that performance was good for third place.

Radcliffe has coached the team for the last time because he is retiring at the end of the season.

"We have taken third six times, and I usually feel empty (he has never finished higher), but this year, no," he said.

Maybe the girls gave their all because he was retiring, but the fact that he could evoke the best performance from each runner was satisfaction enough for Radcliffe.

"We ended the season on a high note," he said.

And the highest note was from Dayna VanArsdol, who ran a neck-and-neck race the last 200 meters and nosed out her competitor to claim the first-place trophy.

Sheena Stucki ended her career with her best performance — good for 13th place. VanArsdol returns as a senior next year to defend her title, while Stucki graduates with fellow senior Jamie Lamb.

All the rest return. Sophomore Audrey Baird notched a top 20 finish and freshman Hayley Knouff has potential.

"Hayley has really come on," said Radcliffe. "I see great things for her."

Sophomore Laci Dolphin suffered an injury early in the year when she was running, not in the red rocks, rather she stumbled across a cattle guard and twisted her knee. It's on the mend now and Radcliffe says she will be a contributor next year.

Caitlyn Howe, another sophomore, is building more and more confidence and the state meet can only add to her experience.

"And she has a really good attitude," said Radcliffe.

Next year, regardless of who is the new coach, the Red Devils will field a solid team which won't lack competitive fire.

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E-mail: wjewkes@desnews.com