“We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard... because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.” -John F. Kennedy The Vikings endured a week of challenges, whether it be the weather, injuries, or just simply life's timing and were down a few teammates as they approached the line at Waverly at 10:30 AM on Saturday morning. Another challenge would arise as the sun began to shine and the humidity once again began to increase. However, the Vikings decided to push all that aside and challenge the obstacles. Reese Galinger and Addie Keplar got out to strong starts, pulled away from the pack and proved themselves to be a dynamic duo, and leaders on and off the course as Reese finished 1st (19:21) and Addie finished 2nd (19:58). It was then time for some Vikings to step up in unfamiliar spots and prove themselves and prove themselves they did. Khloe Maxwell, herself working through some challenge would run a strong middle part of the race and put herself in great position finishing 11th (22:29). Iris Ardrey, who has been crushing workouts at practice, got out of her comfort zone, challenged the pace early, and didn't look back, finishing 15th (23:16). Lauren Charter would also find herself stepping up big and closed the scoring for the Vikings finishing 16th (23:22). Hannah Daniels continued her meteoric rise during the 2026 season to finish 6th for the Vikings placing 37th (26:44). Bailie Peters showed her patented toughness to complete the varsity displacing spot for the team as she placed 43rd (27:36). The combined effort would allow the Vikings to win the John Boyer Invitational at Waverly as they scored 37 points, finishing ahead of host Waverly (63 points) and 3rd place Vinton County (65 points). Also competing for the Vikings and showing great strength and effort were: Scarlett Mets (28:37-48th) Aubrey McKibben (29:16-49th)-also had a super strong finish down the stretch-Very impressive Ellie Smith (30:12-54th) Mikaela Frabott (30:58-57th) Evie Hix (31:26-60th) On a day, in which the Vikings were supposed to race at night and had to find a new location and race, following a week in which many things provided hurdles for the Vikings to get over, the girls decided to not be slowed down. Despite having the opportunity to create excuses, they created results. This happened, not because what was placed in front of them was easy, but because it was hard and because they accepted the challenge and intended to win, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally, and that is what they did. An impressive feat from an improving team.