The miles have been logged, the personal records have been broken, and the hard work of an entire season has brought the Colorado Springs Christian Schools boys and girls cross country teams to one of the most important moments of their year. With the regular season behind them, the Lions are preparing to compete at Regionals this Friday, October 23, carrying the momentum of a season defined by perseverance, improvement, and determination.
Throughout the fall, CSCS runners have continued to challenge themselves and one another, demonstrating that success in cross country is measured by more than finishing positions. It’s found in the discipline of daily training, the willingness to push through difficult races, and the commitment to finish strong regardless of the competition.
That commitment has been evident in recent weeks as the Lions have continued to improve their times and compete with purpose.
Personal Records Highlight a Strong Finish
One of the most encouraging stories of the season has been the continued improvement across the roster.
As the Lions entered the final stretch of their regular-season schedule, Everett B., Ture Riker, Jaden L., and Jacob Ubben were among the runners celebrating personal records. Their performances reflected the work the team has put in throughout the fall and the progress that comes from consistent effort.
At the Tri-Peaks/Black Forest Cross Country Championships on October 9, sophomore Jacob Ubben recorded a time of 23:14.01 in the 5,000 meters. According to Colorado MileSplit, that represented an improvement of more than two and a half minutes over his time at the same event in 2025. It’s an impressive example of the growth taking place within the program.
Earlier in the season, Chase Minihane, Ture Riker, and Brooklyn Minihane delivered strong performances at the Pre-State meet, helping establish an encouraging foundation for the months ahead.
But perhaps the most meaningful measure of the Lions’ progress has been the determination displayed by the entire team.
Following a recent meet, the coaching staff shared its pride in the team’s performance, noting that while several runners achieved personal records, every athlete competed hard and finished well.
That collective effort has become a defining characteristic of this year’s team.
Ready for the Regional Challenge
Now, the focus shifts to Friday.
The regional championships represent an opportunity for the Lions to put their season of preparation to the test, competing against strong runners with the opportunity to advance to the state championships.
For athletes like Chase Minihane and Brooklyn Minihane, who earned recognition on the National Christian School Athletic Association’s 2025–26 Super-Regional teams, the postseason offers another opportunity to build on their competitive experience and lead by example.
But the strength of this CSCS team extends beyond individual accomplishments. Every runner who has shown up to practice, encouraged a teammate, pushed through a difficult race, or celebrated someone else’s success has contributed to the culture being built within the program.
As the Lions prepare for Regionals, they carry with them the lessons learned over countless miles: discipline, perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of giving their best in every opportunity.
We are incredibly proud of our boys and girls cross country athletes and grateful for the coaches and families who have invested in them throughout the season.
The regular season may be finished, but these Lions still have more to give.
Good luck at Regionals this Friday, Lions! Run with confidence, compete with purpose, and finish strong!