Something special is happening on the College of the Canyons track — two standout athletes have pushed through a season of intense training for their shot at a state title. And this journey means more than just medals.
“It means a lot to me because the whole team works really hard,” said Victoria Jamison, a College of the Canyons Track Team runner.
“It means a lot because I’m representing the school, the team, and my coach,” said Jamison.
Jamison and teammate Hazel Rhoades earned their way to the 3C2A State Championship after a season defined by grit, growth, and goal-setting.
With Rhoades being crowned conference champion in the 400 and Jamison placing 4th in the 5k, they’ve each become one of the best in their events.
Earning a spot at this meet wasn’t easy, but both athletes rose to the challenge. Rhoades will compete for the 400-meter state title, while Jamison takes the 5k.
“I did have a little hiccup,” said Rhodes. “I got really excited, I came out too fast from that first two hundred.”
“I just had to hold on to the end, but I’m gonna do it differently, I’m gonna run it right,” said Hazel Rhodes.
“Last week’s race, I went out slow, and I ran about two minutes lower than my PR,” said Jamison. “Next week, I wanna go all out and give it my best.”
One thing has remained constant through every early morning and long workout: the support and bond of their teammates.
“This was a team that was very close, they worked really good together,” said Denena Hill, Assistant Coach for COC Track & Field and Cross Country.
“They were very good at picking each other up when maybe one or a few were down,” said Hill.
And that mindset is what truly matters when it comes to race day.
“All we ever ask our athletes is to do the best they can on any given day,” said Lindy Kane, COC’s Head Men’s and Women’s Track & Field Coach.
“Could we win a state title? Any one of these athletes win a state title? Yes. You never know on any given day what could happen,” said Kane.
Update from the State Championships: Rhodes sprinted to the finish line to write her name in the COC track and field history book, winning the Individual 3C2A State Championship in the 400m and earning junior college all-American honors.
Jamison placed 6th in the 5k, just 16 seconds off her PR.
