Entering the 2013 season with only two seniors, questions were aplenty for the Mancos Bluejays cross country team.
By the end of the year, there was little doubt as to the talent of the team, whic, enjoyed a successful 2013 campaign.
TEAM PERFORMS WELL AT STATE
Among the many highlights of the Bluejays season was the team's performance at the 2A State Championships on Oct. 26 in Colorado Springs.
The Bluejays girls finished ninth, while lone boys' team representative Justin Burton finished 15th.
BURTON WINS TWO
INDIVIDUAL TITLES
No Bluejays' runner was as impressive as senior Justin Burton.
Among Burton's impressive performances were individual titles at the Chicken Creek Invitational (Sept. 28) and the Pagosa Springs Invitational (Sept. 21).
After Burton's victory at Chicken Creek, Bluejays' head coach commended his senior, writing, "Burton had a great race. It means something to come win your home meet in front of your home crowd your senior year."
IMPROVEMENT APLENTY FOR YOUNG TEAM
Reflecting on the season, there is little doubt that all the Bluejays improved.
Few enjoyed more improvement than freshman Jessalyn Bay-Voit, who improved her personal best by more than 2 minutes at the 2A Region 4 meet Oct. 18.
"It's always fun to see what confidence does for a runner as the season goes along," wrote Archer.
A PROMISING FUTURE
Looking ahead to the 2014 season, there is little doubt that the Bluejays will be very strong.
Although the loss of seniors Justin Burton and Kia Baikie will hurt, strong returnees, along with freshmen should help the boys' and girls' teams contend at the state level.
Fans certainly have a lot to look forward to in 2014.