The Davis High cross country and girls’ water polo teams celebrated a successful Championship Saturday on November 15, 2023, culminating in impressive victories. The day showcased the dedication and hard work of the athletes, as they competed fiercely for their titles at both the Willow Hills Reservoir and the Roseville Aquatics Center.
At the Willow Hills Reservoir course, more than 1,500 athletes, families, and supporters gathered to witness the excitement of the varsity races. The atmosphere was electric as the boys and girls junior varsity races kicked off, each featuring nearly 100 competitors. As they approached the final steep hill, the determination on their faces was evident. Parents and coaches encouraged them with shouts of “Pump your arms!” and “Don’t look down, it helps if you look up!”
The highlight of the day arrived with the Division 1 varsity races. The girls’ race began first, and it quickly became apparent that the Blue Devils were a force to be reckoned with. Leading the pack was Avery Wolk, who set a blistering pace. Behind her were fellow teammates Norah Feldt, Lilian Hales-Yang, and Katelyn Secrest, all vying for positions that would secure the team title and a spot in the state meet. As the runners powered through the final lap, their focus was unwavering. Ultimately, Davis High won the team title with an outstanding performance, and Wolk finished as the individual medalist. The team had six finishers in the top nine, which included Layla Wolk and Kailee Mallow.
Next on the agenda was the boys’ varsity race, with defending champion Elias Thornson aiming to retain his title despite battling a nagging injury. He executed his strategy of trailing behind the leading runners during the first loop. As the race progressed, Thornson found another gear, pulling away to create a significant lead. He crossed the finish line victorious, securing the title once again. The rest of the boys’ team faced challenges, but they managed to secure a second-place finish overall, edging out Folsom and Turkock to qualify for the state meet.
After an exhilarating morning at the reservoir, my next destination was the Roseville Aquatics Center, arriving just in time for the girls’ water polo finals. The Davis High girls had an exceptional season, entering the match undefeated after a dominant performance throughout the SFL and playoff rounds. The memory of losing to Granite Bay in last year’s finals weighed heavily on their minds, making this match particularly significant.
In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, the Blue Devils defeated Granite Bay decisively, with a final score of 13-4. After the match, head coach Jamey Wright celebrated with the team, marking the victory by jumping into the pool, a cherished tradition. The atmosphere was filled with joy as players embraced and posed for photos, cementing a memorable day in Davis High athletics.
Overall, Championship Saturday was a remarkable day for the Blue Devils and the broader Davis community. With six section champions crowned in water polo and ten varsity titles awarded in cross country, the success of these young athletes highlighted their dedication and resilience, leaving a lasting impact on everyone involved.
