December 16, 2009
Teton Redskin runs Reno for national x-country race.
LEFT: Tavner Wilson, a junior at Teton High School, shows off his medal earned racing at the USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships held this year at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno, NV. PHOTO COURTESY LIZA B. WILSONAll bets were off when Tavner Wilson, a junior at Teton High School, stepped to the start line last week in Reno.
In a field of the nation’s best runners, Tavner wanted to be competitive, but also wanted to take in the race, enjoy the run.
The second-year varsity Redskin harrier is among less than a handful of Teton High School runners to compete in the USATF National Junior Olympic Cross Country Championships held this year at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park in Reno, NV.
“It’s going to a higher level. Going to Nationals is a big deal and I’d fi gured I better do it,” Tavner said.
Tavner, the son of Lorin and Liza Wilson of Alta, ran his second fastest 5K ever clocking in 17 minutes, 11 seconds on a hilly course covered with hard-packed layers of ice and snow. Tavner said he approached the race differently. He went out fast at the start, a strategy he usually reserves for the 200-meter kick at the end.
It was also different for Tavner to race in the Nationals without the full support of his team, an important and vital aspect of running cross-country for the Redskins, he added.
“I was trying to get pretty pumped at the start,” Tavner said. “My teammates weren’t there, but there were some guys I knew and had raced with in the season. I didn’t take (nationals) as seriously as I took state. I looked at this race as an individual thing and wanted to have fun.”
The event featured more than 2,300 runners, with athletes from the age of 8 to 18 competing for boys’ and girls’ titles in five age divisions. Tavner was one of 42 runners from Idaho racing in the nationals. He placed 39th in the young men’s division out of 150 runners, and was the second from Idaho after Ty Tritthart, a junior from Challis High School.
“It was one of the harder courses I’ve raced,” Tavner said. “This course started with 300 meters and then went up hill, then down hill for a quarter mile. There was snow on the ground but it was a packed surface. Most everyone had spiked shoes on. I borrowed a pair of spikes. People were getting spiked during the race. I didn’t though.”
Tavner decided to join the Redskins team his sophomore year after his twin brother, Tate, kept telling him how much fun he was having running for the team.
“He’s a really great runner,” Tavner said of Tate. “But I surprised myself when I started racing.”
Thirteen year veteran Head Coach, Neil Gleichman, traveled with the Wilson family to Reno continuing to coach Tavner and work with the rest of Team Idaho. Gleichman said on Monday that the event has him really fi red up for next season.
“It was more of a mental switch for me.” Gleichman said. “I haven’t pushed the post-season races that much. I never pushed them that much because kids finish the season and they’re on to the next thing. Our kids are good enough to go and compete on a national level and this has me rethinking my coaching. I’m thinking we could send a whole team next season.”
And Tavner agrees and hopes to see the team at Nationals next year.
“Teammates make a lot of difference,” Tavner said. “They’re there to help you. Runners have a respect for one another. When you’re running you know what the other person next to you is going through. So a lot of times, running with teammates helps you.”
For now, Tavner does not have any firm plans for collegiate running and is happy focusing on his wrestling season. He does however, plan on competing in the Nationals again next year, this time hosted in Alabama.
Nominate
Valley Citizen of the Month for November, Adolfo Gutierrez, receives a night’s lodging at the Teton Springs Lodge and Spa. Citizen staff will choose an individual or group each month highlighting exceptional work or character based on your nominations. Teton Springs Lodge and Spa will recognize the Citizen of the Month with a similar gift from the resort. Please send your December nominations to news@valleycitizen.com or call 208-354-NEWS.
