St. Francis Logo

Lyden Competes in Several Meets

by Tiffany Poet

Lyden Lampe, under the guidance of coach and mom, Holly Lampe, is over half way through her debut cross country season. “It has been exciting watching Lyden race both as her coach and as her mom,” said Coach Lampe. “It makes for an interesting balance between the two.” The schedule put together for this season puts Lampe up against many of the teams and individuals she will face off with at regional as she fights for an invitation to the state meet in Wamego. Since no two courses or days are the same it is nearly impossible to compare times from week to week in cross country. Coach Lampe says that the times from each course reflect the challenges of the courses. Lampe trained through the summer to have a solid mileage base to make her competitive this season as she chases her goals. The 5k distance (3.1 miles) and course terrain has been a new challenge for Lampe. The season started September 1st in Leoti. Lampe placed 10th, earned a medal and set a time of 26:55. Her next varsity competition was in Tribune on September 8th. This course is known for long inclines and tough competition. In Tribune, Lampe ran a 27:25.6 and placed 35th. On September 13th, Lampe ran her first afternoon 5k in Trego County/WaKeeney. Lampe said, “it was the most challenging so far because it was hot, windy and hilly.” Despite the conditions, she placed 12th running a 30:07.4 and earning her second medal of the season. On a cool, calm morning in Stanton County, Lampe ran against familiar faces and narrowly beat another varsity competitor at the finish line. Her time of 25:24.27 was a new personal best and placed her 30th. “I believe Lyden has all the potential to do extremely well--she just needs to believe that she can achieve any of the goals she sets,” praises Coach Lampe.

With the season closing in on the last few meets, Lampe is continuing to push herself to reach peak condition by October 20th when she will race at regionals. Only two meets remain in the regular season. Lampe will run in the league meet on October 2nd in Hoxie and then in Wheatland/Grinnell on October 11th.