Personal records, determined finishes, and a team committed to getting better with every race.
As the 2026 cross country season enters its tenth week, the Colorado Springs Christian Schools boys and girls cross country teams continue to demonstrate what it means to compete with determination, perseverance, and purpose. With another strong week of racing behind them, the Lions are proving that success isn’t measured by finishing position alone, but by the effort, growth, and character developed along the way.
For these student-athletes, every practice, every mile, and every race represents an opportunity to become stronger. And as the season progresses, that hard work is paying off.
Personal Records and a Team That Refuses to Quit
The Lions recently delivered another performance worth celebrating, with four runners achieving new personal records.
Everett Bridgeman, Ture Riker, Jaden Licari, and Jake Ubben each reached a new personal best, marking another exciting milestone in their development as competitive runners.
But what stood out most to their coach wasn’t simply the times on the clock. It was the determination demonstrated by the entire team.
Reflecting on the team’s latest race, the coach shared:
“I was SO proud of the way you all ran yesterday! We had several PR’s, but EVERYONE competed hard and FINISHED well. GREAT WORK”
That message captures something special about this group of Lions. While individual accomplishments deserve recognition, the collective effort of the team is what continues to define their season.
Cross country demands a unique kind of toughness. There are no timeouts, no substitutions when the course gets difficult, and no shortcuts to improvement. Every athlete must make the decision to keep pushing when fatigue sets in and the finish line still feels far away.
Our Lions are learning to make that decision, race after race.
Building on a Season of Growth
Throughout the fall, CSCS runners have continued to gain valuable competitive experience, challenge themselves against strong fields, and build on the progress made earlier in the season.
From early-season meets to the increasingly competitive races of October, the boys and girls have embraced the work required to improve. Each new personal record reflects hours of training, preparation, and a willingness to push beyond previous limits.
For our younger runners, this season is laying an important foundation for the future of CSCS cross country. For returning athletes, it is another opportunity to grow as competitors and leaders, setting an example of discipline, encouragement, and commitment.
Together, these athletes are helping build a program where individual improvement and team success go hand in hand.
Lions Compete at Tri-Peaks/Black Forest Championships
The Lions were among 19 registered teams at the Tri-Peaks/Black Forest Cross Country Championships on Friday, October 9, at Monument Valley Park in Colorado Springs. Hosted by The Vanguard School, the meet brought together schools from across the region for an important late-season competition.
With championship season approaching, opportunities like these are especially valuable. The competition challenges athletes to race with confidence, trust their training, and finish strong when it matters most.
And for the Lions, the message remains consistent: keep improving, keep competing, and keep encouraging one another.
More Than a Finish Line
One of the greatest things about cross country is the way it develops character beyond the course.
Our student-athletes are learning discipline through early practices and demanding workouts. They are developing resilience when races become difficult. They are discovering the importance of supporting teammates whose victories may look different from their own.
These lessons extend far beyond athletics.
At CSCS, we want our athletes to pursue excellence while developing the character and leadership that will serve them throughout their lives. Our cross country runners are demonstrating that commitment through their work ethic, their attitudes, and the way they represent the Lions.
Finishing the Season Strong
As the season moves toward its final stretch, there is plenty to celebrate and still more work ahead.
We are incredibly proud of our boys and girls cross country teams, their coaches, and the families who continue to support them. Whether it’s a new personal record, a breakthrough performance, or an athlete finding the strength to finish a difficult race, these moments matter.
Congratulations to Everett, Ture, Jaden, and Jake on their new personal records, and to every Lion who continues to show up, put in the work, and compete with determination.
The season isn’t finished, and neither are our Lions. Keep running with purpose, competing with heart, and finishing strong!
Go Lions!