In the grueling, demanding sport of cross country, it’s vital to have team leaders to provide an example and set the pace on and off the course. The Mountain Ridge cross country team is fortunate to have experienced veterans guiding the way and pushing others to succeed. 

Not only does this leadership help with performance, but the athletes get along well and have created a positive feeling around the team. 

“Our strengths are that we have a good group of young athletes, led by some good seniors, that get along and are learning to find some joy in the journey,” head coach James Barnes said. “We haven't had any team drama or issues that way this year. It is a great atmosphere.”

Mountain Ridge began the season with the dauting task of having to replace some standout performers from the previous season. Not many of last year’s top runners were back for the 2023 campaign. Also, the Sentinels have fewer numbers than they did a year ago. Still, even though the team isn’t one of the top contenders in the state, it has surprised some folks with its efforts in meets. 

Still, despite those challenges, along with some injuries and illnesses, Mountain Ridge has been competitive. Many runners have gotten significantly better throughout the season. 

“We have had every kid improve their times, some by huge margins, and a lot of improvements for the returners,” Barnes said. “We won the Sanpete Classic Invite last week with both the boys and girls varsity being down a top-three athlete on both sides due to illness. Our young JV kids have been placing very well too, so that is exciting for the future.”

Barnes also said some of the runners on the team have little to no previous experience—not just with cross country but athletics in general. Some team members have to learn what it means to compete and to push themselves to their limits, all while enjoying it. 

“We try to make practices, team socials and camps challenging and fun, and create a good environment for kids to feel safe and build confidence,” he said. “We have been working on taking care of our bodies to avoid nagging little injuries that often occur in athletes new to running.”

Several runners have stood out this season, including the coach’s son, Jaren Barnes, who is the top runner on the boys’ side. He has placed in or close to the top 10 in every race this season. He was also the overall winner of the Sanpete Classic and has a personal best 15:42 time in the 3-mile run. A senior, Jaren Barnes missed his junior year due to a leg injury. 

“He has a lot of pressure being the coach’s son and a team captain,” James Barnes said of his son. “He has been a huge help to the boys team having him healthy again and has helped build the overall confidence of the team.”

Coach Barnes said probably the most improved runner has been senior captain Nathan Burningham. He has gone from a mediocre JV runner, in Barnes’ assessment, to someone who consistently finishes in the top three at varsity races. 

“He is a great example of hard work and dedication, and he is seeing the fruit of it now,” Barnes said. 

On the girls’ side, Cailey Bracken is a senior captain and the top runner. Barnes said she is “probably the one with the biggest target on her back.” Bracken placed top 10 at Foot Locker Western Regionals last year and earned an all-expense paid trip to San Diego the next week as one of the top 40 girls in the nation to run at Foot Locker (Champs) Nationals. She also placed 32nd at Nationals last year. She is also the returning region champ. Despite a calf injury, she is still performing well and will run for a Division 1 team in college next year.  BrookLyn Tarr is the team’s No. 2 runner on the girls side. 

“She is a very talented sophomore and the future of our girls team,” Barnes said. “She is one of the best sophomores in the entire state.”  

Senior Grace Waite has also been impressive and might be the most improved runner on the girls team. She has been the No. 3 runner in every race for the Sentinels. She has been offered some college running opportunities as well.

The Class 6A state meet is Oct. 24, so Mountain Ridge has some more time to improve. Barnes is optimistic, and he also has enjoyed coaching this group of athletes. 

“I love having my son and some of his friends on the team that I have known since they were toddlers and to see them grow and accomplish good things in school and in running,” Barnes said. “I love that we are smaller and that people don't notice us as much (fly under the radar), but we are pretty decent and surprise teams regularly. I like the challenge.”

Barnes also hopes the sport will grow at Mountain Ridge and that students will see how exciting and fulfilling it can be to compete. 

“I would love to see more kids come out to run with us in the future at Mountain Ridge,” he said. “We have great coaches and a great team. Young people need to learn that they are capable of doing hard things in life, and cross country is hard. But it is very rewarding, and the atmosphere is great where kids get to be a part of something good and do good and hard things that will give them confidence for their future endeavors.” λ