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Since winning the first Pioneer Valley League cross country meet this fall, Breanne Mitchell had crossed the finish line as the runner-up in the final two PVL meets and the Sac-Joaquin SubSection meet.
But two weeks ago, the Bear River junior was back out front and brought home the first Sac-Joaquin Section championship for the Bruins in many years — if not the first ever.
“I don't have the records on that, but I don't know of another Bear River runner accomplishing that,” said Bruin coach Chris Davis. “I think Breanne just decided that she was going to win it. She had a good day and she did it.
“I think she was just ready to win it.”
In claiming the Division IV title at Folsom High School's Willow Hills course, Mitchell also helped lead the Bruins back to the CIF State Championships for a second straight season. The Bruins finished third in the team competition on Nov. 14, which earned them the right to compete Saturday at Woodward Park in Fresno.
Also representing western Nevada County will be Forest Lake Christian's Austin Violette, who finished second in the Division V section meet, leading the Falcons to fifth place. Violette is the lone FLC runner to advance.
But he'll at least see some familiar faces in Fresno, as the neighboring Lady Bruins bring their six-runner contingent.
“They're real excited to be able to advance (to the state meet),” Davis said. “At the section meet, I wasn't certain until the sheet was posted that we were going to move forward. There are so many kids there and a lot of kids really do peak out on that day.”
With just six runners on the roster, there wasn't much room for error. But all of the Bruins came through with strong enough showings to earn the return trip to state. And now that two weeks have passed, Bear River's runners might be even stronger heading into Saturday.
“The team's attitude is real positive and they're excited about going and competing,” Davis said. “With the two weeks, we've had some issues that have been resolved and I just feel like they're ready.”
Abby Grebe, who finished 32nd at section, is one of the Bruins to benefit from the time off. Her ankle, which she turned during the subsection meet at Angels Camp three weeks ago, now appears to have healed.
Seaera Moe, who took 19th at section, seems to have pushed past a nagging knee injury and Taylor Kimble (49th at section) is doing better with an ongoing knee issue.
With those three running back near full power, along with Harla Moe (29th at section) and Elizabeth Boyer (60th), the Bruins look to make a strong showing among the Division IV field Saturday.
Bear River's team will depart for Fresno this morning with assistant coach Molly Starr, said Davis, who will be in
San Diego before meeting up with the team at the state meet Saturday.
Starr, a former Nevada Union runner under Sara Freitas, has helped Davis hone the Bruins skills this season. An accomplished endurance runner, including strong runs in the Western States 100, Starr has brought a lot to the team, Davis said.
“And how are the kids going to complain (about a tough workout) to someone who runs 100 miles,” Davis said with a laugh.
Having competed in the state meet last year, where Mitchell finished 19th and the team took 12th in Division IV, the Bruins seem to be confident heading into the 3-mile race.
“There has been a sense of confidence the last couple of weeks,” Davis said. “With just six kids it's really a great accomplishment that they did advance.
“A lot of that is Breanne Mitchell, just because of her determination. She helped carry us along.”
Contact Sports Editor Brian Hamilton via e-mail at bhamilton@theunion.com or by phone at 477-4240.
But two weeks ago, the Bear River junior was back out front and brought home the first Sac-Joaquin Section championship for the Bruins in many years — if not the first ever.
“I don't have the records on that, but I don't know of another Bear River runner accomplishing that,” said Bruin coach Chris Davis. “I think Breanne just decided that she was going to win it. She had a good day and she did it.
“I think she was just ready to win it.”
In claiming the Division IV title at Folsom High School's Willow Hills course, Mitchell also helped lead the Bruins back to the CIF State Championships for a second straight season. The Bruins finished third in the team competition on Nov. 14, which earned them the right to compete Saturday at Woodward Park in Fresno.
Also representing western Nevada County will be Forest Lake Christian's Austin Violette, who finished second in the Division V section meet, leading the Falcons to fifth place. Violette is the lone FLC runner to advance.
But he'll at least see some familiar faces in Fresno, as the neighboring Lady Bruins bring their six-runner contingent.
“They're real excited to be able to advance (to the state meet),” Davis said. “At the section meet, I wasn't certain until the sheet was posted that we were going to move forward. There are so many kids there and a lot of kids really do peak out on that day.”
With just six runners on the roster, there wasn't much room for error. But all of the Bruins came through with strong enough showings to earn the return trip to state. And now that two weeks have passed, Bear River's runners might be even stronger heading into Saturday.
“The team's attitude is real positive and they're excited about going and competing,” Davis said. “With the two weeks, we've had some issues that have been resolved and I just feel like they're ready.”
Abby Grebe, who finished 32nd at section, is one of the Bruins to benefit from the time off. Her ankle, which she turned during the subsection meet at Angels Camp three weeks ago, now appears to have healed.
Seaera Moe, who took 19th at section, seems to have pushed past a nagging knee injury and Taylor Kimble (49th at section) is doing better with an ongoing knee issue.
With those three running back near full power, along with Harla Moe (29th at section) and Elizabeth Boyer (60th), the Bruins look to make a strong showing among the Division IV field Saturday.
Bear River's team will depart for Fresno this morning with assistant coach Molly Starr, said Davis, who will be in
San Diego before meeting up with the team at the state meet Saturday.
Starr, a former Nevada Union runner under Sara Freitas, has helped Davis hone the Bruins skills this season. An accomplished endurance runner, including strong runs in the Western States 100, Starr has brought a lot to the team, Davis said.
“And how are the kids going to complain (about a tough workout) to someone who runs 100 miles,” Davis said with a laugh.
Having competed in the state meet last year, where Mitchell finished 19th and the team took 12th in Division IV, the Bruins seem to be confident heading into the 3-mile race.
“There has been a sense of confidence the last couple of weeks,” Davis said. “With just six kids it's really a great accomplishment that they did advance.
“A lot of that is Breanne Mitchell, just because of her determination. She helped carry us along.”
Contact Sports Editor Brian Hamilton via e-mail at bhamilton@theunion.com or by phone at 477-4240.
