Cody Lucas and Hyrum Tuft at the Jerome Open Invite 8/29/2024

When it comes to Cross Country the Rocky Mountain Grizzlies have a rich history of success. They have won a total of 6 state titles most recently in 2022. Last year was an unprecedented time for them as they took 2nd in the boys 5A state championship scoring 58. Cour’ Delane ended up winning with an impressive score of 46. Rocky ended their season with a 4th place finish at Nike Cross Regionals and failed to get an at large bid to Nationals.

This season they lost star runner Landon Heemeyer who committed to BYU. His best 5k time was 14:38, they also lost Pierce Richardson (16:04.7), Sam Jensen (16:05.7), and Reece Miller (16:21.0). All these athletes were very beneficial in Rocky’s success. Although they lost key pieces, they also return many, such as Cody Lucas, Hyrum Tuft, Parker Goggins, Jacob Thomas, Thomas Kurtz, Jaymon Clark and Hudson Godfrey.  For some of these athletes it’s their final year and they would want nothing more than a state championship and a potential Regional and National title postseason run.

I reached out and got the privilege to sit down with Rocky’s top runner Cody Lucas (12th Grade) and discuss some of his personal goals, some goals for the team, and some of his favorite things about Rocky cross country. What is your favorite part about rocky cross country?  Cody says, “I love the team culture and competitive drive of the team.”  Can Rocky win the state championship this year? Cody says, “Absolutely.” Why do you believe they have a chance to win? Cody says, “We have very talented athletes and we went to work in the offseason running lots of miles.” I also asked Cody what he had to say about his coach, Jeff Howard. Cody said, “He is a great guy, you can tell he cares about us as people along with making us better athletes.” I also asked him what some personal goals were this year and he said, “Win state as a team, and individually, break the 15 minute barrier.” I then asked what makes Rocky XC special? He answered with, “There is unity among teammates unlike any other team, the things we work on at practice transfer to situations outside of running.” My final question for Cody was about something more than a state title. I asked him this, after a 4th place finish at NXR last year Rocky did not receive an at large bid to NXN, did you feel as if Rocky deserved the bid? Cody replied by saying, “Nothing is ever given, after having a similar situation the year before I knew we probably wouldn’t get in unless we placed in the top 2.” It was an honor and a privilege to be able to sit down with Cody and talk to him about Rocky XC and his senior season. These are just a few of the many reasons I see Rocky boys Cross Country taking the state trophy this year, and maybe more.