On November 15, 2023, the Davis High cross country and girls water polo teams showcased their exceptional skills at the section finals. The day culminated in impressive victories, with the cross country team excelling at the Willow Hills Reservoir course and the water polo team dominating the Roseville Aquatics Center.
The cross country event attracted over 1,500 participants, including athletes, parents, and supporters. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as competitors lined up for the races. The boys and girls junior varsity races kicked off the day, each featuring nearly 100 runners. As they approached the final hill, the determination on their faces was clear. Coaches encouraged their teams with shouts of “Pump your arms!” and “Don’t look down!” as they powered through the challenging course.
As the junior varsity runners crossed the finish line, a three-wheeled rescue motorcycle navigated the course, assisting those who needed help. The spotlight then shifted to the varsity races, where the elite runners took center stage. The girls’ race commenced first, with *Avery Wolk* leading the pack from *Davis High*. She was closely followed by a rival from Oak Ridge and three more teammates: *Norah Feldt*, *Lilian Hales-Yang*, and *Katelyn Secrest*.
Wolk maintained her lead throughout the race, demonstrating remarkable stamina and speed. The Blue Devils collectively surged past the final hill, embodying the spirit of determination. By the end of the race, Davis High claimed the team title, with Wolk finishing as the individual medalist. The team had six runners in the top nine, solidifying their dominance in the competition.
Next up was the boys’ varsity race, featuring defending champion *Elias Thornson*. Despite battling a nagging injury, he executed his strategy effectively, initially trailing behind two competitors from McClatchy. As the race progressed, Thornson found another gear and surged ahead during the final loop, ultimately crossing the finish line with a significant lead.
The rest of the boys’ team faced challenges, but they managed to secure second place, narrowly edging out *Folsom* and *Turkock*. This achievement ensured their advancement to the state meet, marking a successful day for the cross country program.
After the excitement at Willow Hills, attention shifted to the Roseville Aquatics Center for the girls’ water polo final. The Davis High team entered the match with an impressive undefeated record, having triumphed in the SFL and the earlier playoff rounds. However, the memory of a previous loss to Granite Bay in the section finals weighed on their minds.
When the match commenced, the Blue Devils were determined to erase that memory. They delivered a dominant performance, defeating Granite Bay 13-4 to lift the section banner. Following the victory, *Coach Jamey Wright* celebrated with the team by jumping into the pool, continuing a cherished tradition. The atmosphere was filled with joy as players exchanged congratulatory hugs and captured the moment in photographs.
Overall, Championship Saturday proved to be a remarkable day for Davis High, with six section champions crowned in water polo and ten varsity titles awarded in cross country. The triumphs not only highlighted the dedication and hard work of the athletes but also underscored the vibrant spirit of competition in the community.
