The day after Thanksgiving we hopped in the car and headed down to Fresno for the California State Cross Country Championships.
(2014 is the year)
We arrived about 1:30 and took some pictures on the finishers platform (since it's not set up the day of the race), bought some state gear, and waited for Tyler to come and walk the course with Parker.
Proud parents!
Parker with his new state sweatshirt and state patch for his letterman jacket.
Tyler flew in on Tuesday from BYU-I for Thanksgiving and to open his mission call (NY, NY South, Spanish Speaking). They were so nice to come to Fresno with us to support Parker!
They are best buds!!
Riley Jo celebrated her birthday with us that day. She and Calissa were playing Lego Friends while the boys walked the course.
Conner in his new state gear too!
After walking the course and hanging out at the park for a while we went and checked into our hotel for the night. We met coach Lanette (and her son Evan) and headed out to dinner with them and the Rossi's. We decided on Olive Garden and got there a little after 5:00 pm. They said it would be a 2 1/2 hour wait for the 12 of us. Trav asked about splitting up and they said it would only be a few minute wait. It was fast (and they sat us at 3 tables right next to each other!)
That night Calissa swam in the pool, I worked out in the gym, and the boys watched some sports on TV. There were many other cross country teams there and also the University of Hawaii football team was staying there as well. It was a fun atmosphere! We got a good night sleep and headed out for the park after a quick breakfast. (These cute people were outside on our hotel lawn - one of the other teams brought them. I embarrassed Parker by making him take a picture!)
The start line on race day!
The finish line!
Arriving for the day and getting settled.
Things were different this year because his race was the 2nd race of the day (like NCS). Last year he was one of the last races of the day. It was much better to run earlier, but it didn't give him much time to watch the other races.
Here he is changing into his shoes and putting his timing chips on.
Family!
Grandma and Grandpa Romer made the trip again. Drew and Tina made the trip as well that morning! We are so grateful that we have such great family support!
The Rossi's ready to cheer him on!
Getting his numbers put on and ready for warm-up.
Warming up at the start line.
Some last minute advice from coach.
He says he always yawns at the start line. Nervous habit, or maybe he's just bored? :)
Ready,
Set ...
Go!!!!!!!!!
He's here (in the green) and had a great start!
The crazy pack at a mile in.
This is the stampede of runners. Can you see Parker halfway up the hill on the left side of the pack? It's so crazy!
Coming around at a little over 2 miles.
He finished!
He ended up finishing 66th out of 296 runners with 16:22.25. His goal was to finish in the top 25%. He ended up finished 283rd out of 1000 runners. Pretty close to the top 25%!! He improved his time by 30 seconds from last year and 22 places.
Way to go Parker!
What an amazing experience again this year! We are so proud of all that he's accomplished as a runner at Concord High. We are grateful for the three coaches that he's had over his four years and the impact that they've had on him as an athlete, and also as a person! He's had about 12-15 different colleges show interest in recruiting him and has talked to a few on the phone. His plan is to attend BYU and possibly try to walk on their cross country team after his mission. But even if he decides not to run any more competitively, he's had a great "run!"
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