Layla Heller is a student at Valley Christian and is a member of the AIA Student SID Program. 

The Trojans had their first cross country meet of the year on Saturday, August 31st, and they all performed exceptionally. The sophomore girls took runner-up, and sophomores Teagan White and Micah Heller both achieved PR's, which was highly impressive considering it was the first meet of the season.  

There were many challenges during the run that the team had to overcome. They battled Saturday morning heat, rough terrain, and about 60 other schools that all participated as well. However, the Trojans faced the course with determination and perseverance.  

The Chandler Invitational is different than normal races because it splits up every race by grade. Usually, the boys and girls of the same grade run together, with the girls starting 45 seconds after the boys.  

The boys team excelled in all their races. Juniors Micah Newkirk and Cody Sigerud both medaled, placing 6th and 9th in the junior boys' race. Overall, our boys team gave it their all, and it showed. Micah Heller, a sophomore, got a personal record in his first race, which is extremely difficult to do.

When asked how he felt about this, Micah stated, "It felt really good. I'm glad to know that my hard work has paid off, and I'm excited for the rest of the season."  

The girls team also raced well, with a total of seven medals collected by Raegan Randleman (10), Ellie Phillips (11), Ellie Edwards, (11), Mara Mellberg (10), Maddy Lewis (10), Teagan White (10), and Layla Heller (12). The sophomore girls especially did well, with Raegan placing 3rd, Mara placing 10th, Maddy placing 23rd, and Teagan placing 29th. Altogether, the sophomore girls won second place in their age group, a highly impressive feat. Not only did sophomore Teagan White win a medal, but she also got a personal record on her first race with a time of 22.49.  

Mara Mellberg was asked how she felt about the sophomore girls getting second on the first race of the season. She said, "It was definitely a confidence boost for state knowing that we have a legitimate chance of winning it all this year."  

The Trojans were able to put their endurance and perseverance to the test at this first race, as it showed that their long, strenous practices paid off. The team couldn't be more thrilled after this exciting performance.