Number one All-State runner, sophomore Stella Damyonavitch, placed 10th in the state, at the MHSA State Cross Country Meet in Missoula on Oct. 25th, finishing with a time of 19:18. The result reflected Damyonavitch’s past months of extreme physical and mental conditioning leading up to the state competition.
Reaching to her level of performance, discipline, endurance, and proper mindset are a necessity to stay healthy throughout the season, Damyonavitch said. This means making lifestyle adjustments when needed. One of these adjustments, for her, is cutting out caffeine to ensure her body and mind remain well rested and ready to race.
Faced with the pressure of being the top runner on her team, Damyonavitch focuses on attitude over outcome.
“I don’t focus on ranking, I’m just going to state to do my best and hopefully have some fun with the team,” she said.
Although Damyonavitch is a strong competitive racer, she’s quick to acknowledge that she didn’t this far all on her own. She views her team as a second family and credits her teammates for helping her stay motivated throughout the season. One of her biggest inspirations this year has been her team captain Maddy Osterman. Osterman continues to bring her positive, uplifting attitude to all practices and meets. That energy, she says, is part of what keeps her grounded and determined to improve. Along with her teammates, Damyonavitch looks up to her coach Branch Brady, whose commitment to the sport sets an example for the entire team.
“Seeing our 78 year old coach run with us has also motivated me and seeing how much he’s accomplished and still continues to accomplish is very inspirational to me,” Damyonavitch said.
As the cross country season comes to a close, Damyonavitch’s biggest advice to upcoming runners is “to keep running.”
“As long as you keep going, all the suffering you’ve gone through to get better will be worth it with every race, every time you cross the line and every pr.”
Final MHSA State Cross Country Meet Results:
Girls:
Stella Damyonavitch – 19:18, 10th
Kelsi Pollington – 21:06, 53rd
Adrienne Arno – 21:07, 56th
Willa Wetzel – 21:21, 59th
Melody Cardin – 21:37, 66th
Alexandra Beck – 22:49, 93rd
Tenely Hastings – 22:52, 94th
Boys:
Emmerson Hamma – 16:12, 8th
Carson Rose – 16:51, 33rd
Alex Buche – 16:52, 35th
Ethan young – 17:51, 72nd
Kolton Kupfner – 18:22, 90th
Jaiden Maus – 18:42, 102nd
Russell Blake – 19:50, 107th
