Race Stories: Ross Wilson

The Council Rock North program has an impressive and historic resume, and this year's team came into the year poised to be one of the best the school had seen in some time. However, a third place finish at the Viking Invitational had almost everyone expressing serious doubts. But Ross Wilson held strong. He put in the work all summer long to be ready to compete for a top spot in the state.

When all was said and done his confidence paid off and the doubters were proven wrong and CRN sprung and upset over a young NA squad and Ross Wilson broke the 15:20 barrier and finished 7th at the state championship. Districts was really the break through day for the CRN boys, highlighted by Ross's 2nd place finish out front.

"I didn't truly believe I could compete with the best until after my District race." Wilson said. After that race he believed he had a realistic shot at winning the state championship. And he had convinced a lot of other followers of the sport he had a shot as well. Wilson and his teammates rocked a 3xmile workout all faster than 5 minute pace and cruised to a 2:20 800m and a couple fast quarters after it was all said and done. "In the beginning of the year we dreaded this workout, but by the end of the season it became more of a fun workout. I believe our training is part of what sets CRN apart."

On states day Wilson went out with the leaders as planned, but a quick opening mile put the breaks on his plan to make a big move after the Aloha hills. "If I were to do it again I would've tried to go out closer to 4:51 and worked my way up. Definitely a good learning experience for next year." Wilson ran a great race, but didn't quite have enough to outlast Tony Russell on this day. But next year he and the other top Juniors in the state will be back and hungry to unseat the champion.

But before the 2013 season gets under way Wilson will look to prove himself at the Footlocker Regional meet with teammate and fellow medalist James Zingarini and is aiming for a top 20 finish, although he acknowledges that the field will be tough to best. Then on the track he will team up with stud 9:11 3200m runner Mac Emery and aim to break the 9:15 mark and qualify for the Penn Relays in the 3k.