AAU XC National Championships at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Stephen ran in the AAU Cross Country Intermediate Division (15-16) National Championships at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Kissimmee, Florida. There were runners from all over the country in the race. They ran the Intermediate Division in the same race as the Youth Division (17-18), but handed out awards separately. Stephen finished the race in 17:02 placing 28th overall, 16th in the Intermediate Division, and 6th out of the 15 year olds.

The AAU gave out awards to the top 25, but only the top 8 in each division were called to the awards podium and given gold medals. Stephen was not happy about his finish as you can see in the pictures when the awards were handed out. He said he will not finish lower than 1st overall next year. Who knows? He started the 2011 cross country season out running mid 18's and knocked a minute and a half off. That would put him around 15:30 next year.

A 17:01 and 17:02 in two national events ain't bad.

Enjoy the pictures.