Cross country might not be a contact sport but it involves a lot of physical strength and the will to endure. Coach Giffin stated, “The team this year has a lot of potential, the girls’ team has the ability to make it to state. This is a real opportunity for them and I hope they take it.” The team indeed has reached their potential, the girls’ team is holding on to the first place in league with Durham close behind them. But if the girls’ team works hard and leaves the complaining at home, they will be able to take the league title.

                The season started with all athletes as varsity for both boys and girls. Giffin made this decision because he saw that all the athletes were capable of doing it. Every practice is no nonsense. Each practice consists of abdominal workouts, a mile and a half warm-up, a three to five miles training, and a half mile cool down. Each practice builds conditioning, but most importantly it builds mental strength. The most tortuous practice consists of hills. The team drives out to the middle of nowhere to this place called Cowboy Camp, which is 20 minutes away from Williams. There are numerous hills with high elevations. These hills prepare the team for the section meet in West Valley.  

                Both teams can get far with dedication and commitment. Both teams already have the support and training of their coaches Giffin and Townzen. One thing that helps motivate the cross country athletes is that both of their coaches experience their pain as the coaches run the same amount as the athletes do. Not a lot of teams have their coaches their drive. This would explain why both the teams are achieving their potential. Sweat, pain, and motivation creates state worthy cross country team. 

   Cross country is coming to its end and the girls' team has taken the title of league champions. So far all their hard work has paid off. Colusa girls' cross country is in the top three in division five out of twenty-four teams, this is the largest divison in the state of California.