Plumas Charter School’s Warriors cross country team wrapped up a successful fall season marked by steady progress, team camaraderie and standout performances under the direction of coach Jess DeVan.
This year’s roster included athletes from sixth through 10th grade: August LaMattina, Lilyanne Hahn, Mika Smart, Carter Cliff, Sky Plocki and Ember West. The group trained together four days a week from Sept. 1 through Oct. 24, building endurance and confidence through long runs, speed workouts and demanding hill repeats.
“Cross country is as much about mental toughness as physical strength,” Coach DeVan said. “This group worked hard, supported each other and showed real grit throughout the season.”
The Warriors represented PCS at two major meets: the Truckee Invitational and the Chico Autumn Invitational, where they raced against schools from across the region. Depending on age division and course layout, race distances ranged from 1.2 miles to 3.3 miles, giving runners the chance to push their limits and gain valuable competitive experience.
The athletes not only completed races this season, but also posted steady improvement in pacing, endurance and race strategy.
The season culminated in a milestone achievement for 10th-grader August LaMattina, who qualified for the Northern Section Finals in Cottonwood. Competing against the strongest runners in Division 6, he ran a personal best of 24:32 and placed 38th overall.
“Qualifying for Sections is a big accomplishment,” DeVan said. “August worked incredibly hard this season, and we’re proud to see that dedication pay off.”
As cross country continues to grow at PCS, both students and staff hope to expand participation in the coming years. For many of this season’s runners—several of them in junior high—the experience laid a strong foundation for future athletic development.
Plumas Charter School congratulates all members of the Warriors cross country team for a determined and successful season and extends thanks to Coach DeVan for her leadership and commitment.