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Mountain Vista School’s Cross Country Team
Oracle Arizona – A small group of dedicated Mt. Vista student-athletes displayed a large amount determination to form what proved to be a very-talented cross-country team this season. But before the Cougars could compete in events they needed a coach and a course.
Local automotive technician Brady Whitman stepped up to the challenge by not only developing a championship team but also its 2.1 mile course.
Coach Whitman created a culture that combined hard work along with physical and mental toughness, which allowed a small and inexperienced Cougars’ team to become best in the Central Junior High League.
Ethan Cooper, one of six males on the nine-member team, was the Cougars’ top runner after finishing first in all of the league’s events.
Other Mt. Vista runners who made up the best the CJHL had to offer include: Zachary Riddle, Colby Sawyer, Hunter Hill, Charles Croci, Ivan Sutherland, Sienna Soza, Madison Sanchez, and Giselle Goga.
Congratulations to Coach Whitman and his team on a great inaugural season!
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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