2012 Desert Christian High School (Knights) Cross Country Team

http://www.prepcaltrack.com/2012/12/14/the-freshmen-15-frosh-fab-50/

THE BEST FRESHMEN OF 2012! CHECK ‘EM OUT AND SEE WHO MADE THE LIST! Time to offer up our deepest props ever to a freshmen class, and deservedly so. The "Class of 2016" is the strongest in Golden State history with an acclaimed trio of record-setting boys ninth graders and...

Last fun evnt of the year for DC Cross Country....

[email protected]" rel="ugc" target="_blank">http://www.active.com/running/Articles/6-Ways-to-Copy-the-Offseason-Breaks-of-Elite-Runners.htm?cmp=291&memberid=97584662&lyrisid=37658066&email=[email protected]

6 Ways to Copy the Offseason Breaks of Elite Runners After months of hard training, your body needs a rest. When it comes to recovery, you can learn a lot from elite runners.

Press
December 4, 2012

Power's season a smash

By: Eric Smith Associated Press


LANCASTER - Rachael Power's accomplishments this past cross country season are milestones that some runners only hope to earn throughout their entire high school career.
The Desert Christian sophomore placed third overall in the Division 5 race at the CIF State Cross Country Championships, leading the Knights to a fifth-place showing.
Power, who also finished second at CIF-Southern Section Finals, is the Valley Press' Female Athlete of the Year.
But with so many individual accolades, Power was quick to point out that she is most proud of her team's success, not her own.
"I'm happy with how well the team did at (CIF-Southern Section) Finals and state," Power said. "I was happy for all of them.
"What I'm most proud of us that we stuck together and worked hard through every practice and gave it all we had.
"It's fun having a medal, but in the long run the team is more important."
Power's modesty is nothing new for Desert Christian head coach Andy Visokey, who said he sees his athlete's generosity on a daily basis.
"She's very humble," Visokey said. "I've never seen her try to be the center of attention.
"As talented as she is, she's never been the type of person who's out for individual glory."
Power got her start in the sport in the eighth grade at Desert Christian Middle School after being encouraged to run by Sofia Venema, another talented sophomore for the Knights.
The 15-year-old said she had always liked running but had never done so competitively. Once she got her first taste of it, however, she was hooked.
"I thought it was hard but I liked it because it was something I did well in," Power said. "It's easier to enjoy things that you can succeed in.
"But I don't care that I'm good at it, it's just fun to run and see how fast I can go."
Power has certainly gone fast this year, capped off by an impressive time of 18 minutes and 41 seconds at the state meet.
A year ago in Fresno, Power was just one of the runners bunched up in the middle of the pack.
"Last year I think I was 41st or something," Power said. "I worked myself really hard this year.
"I'm kind of disappointed that the season is over. That was my favorite part of the day, going and running with my friends."
Visokey said Power knocked more than two minutes off her time from last season on a 5k course, noting that Desert Christian simply doesn't finish fifth if not for the sophomore's improvements.
"Her work ethic was absolutely incredible this year," Visokey said. "She made the decision herself to step forward and work hard every day.
"As the season continued she improved even more. She ran a great race at CIF Finals, but she was even better at the state meet."
Power attributed her quick times to a balanced training schedule while also relying on her strong faith.
"I was a lot less nervous this year," Power said. "Last year I was nervous before every race.
"I was more relaxed and just focused in on the race."
Now it's Visokey who is holding his breath, as both of Power's parents are involved in the military. Power said it's a "50/50 chance" that she will her family will be relocated to a different state.
"Whatever happens, happens," said Power, who has also lived in Virginia and Alabama. "But I really don't want to leave the team.
"I feel like we grew together a lot more and are a lot closer than last year. I think that helps a lot because you're more comfortable with each other."
"But it motivated me because I wanted to make sure I gave my team all that I had."
Power's impressive season also caught the eye of UCLA, as Visokey said the Bruins sent the high school a handwritten letter inquiring about the talented runner last week.
While Power certainly looks to have Division 1 potential, Desert Christian wouldn't mind having its star runner stick around for another successful two years.
"I'm hoping and praying that she's running for us next year," Visokey said with a laugh. "How do you replace your No. 1 runner who finished third in the state after their sophomore year?
"But I want what's best for her and her family. I'll be rooting for her wherever she goes."
[email protected]