Monument Valley cross-country team small but mighty at Region 19 championships

The Monument Valley Cougar cross-country team was small but mighty at the Region 19 cross country meet on October 16 at Loyds Lake in Monticello.
The Cougars were led by Sophomore Summer Atene who was the runner-up at the girls meet. Atene earned her second place medal running the 5k course in a time of 22:54.
Senior Josiah Gipe was the lone runner at region for the Monument Valley boys cross country team. Gipe finished his race in a time of 18:54 in sixth place.
Cougar KeriAnna Fatt also ran well in the girls race finishing outside the top 10.
Speaking after the meet Atene said she accomplished her goals.
“I just wanted to have a good race, be in the top 10, and have fun.”
Atene clicked all three boxes in a well run race.
Atene and Gipe both shared they wished they had a team but Gipe added they run anyways.
“Despite all that, we come here, we do our best. We do everything that we can to improve ourselves and get the best times that we can.”
Gipe has been a consistently good runner for the Cougars over his high school career and he says he enjoys running.
I've always loved the exploration, unexpected nature of a trail. I thrive the most when I've never done a trail or I forget certain parts of it and it's really rocky and you have to jump between bushes. That's where I thrive and that's my favorite part.”
The Cougars are qualified for the state cross country meet which is at Sugar House Park in Salt Lake City on October 28.