Even a small, growing school that focuses on academic acheivement needs opportunities for its students to participate in sports and Sierra Lutheran High is no exception.
The young Falcon cross country team, comprised of three freshmen, two sophomores and one junior is not only having a great time competing, but has had some surprising success at the same time.
The Falcons have participated in all division invitational events in Reno, North Tahoe, Fernley and Winnemucca.
Michael Kubel, one of the sophomores on the team, placed in the top 15 in an all-division race at Fernley recently.
Among competitors from 1A and 2A schools, Kubel finished fourth.
Taylor Love, the only junior on the team, wonthe invitational event.
On Oct. 26, the state qualifier will be conducted at Rancho San Rafael Park in Reno.
If Kubel or Love are able to finish in the top 15, or if the Falcons can finish among the top three teams, they will have the opportunity to run in the state championships in Las Vegas.
Last year, Love took ninth at the state finals.
"Taylor has a good chance to finish in the top five in the state," coach Dave Marson said.
The Rite of Passage Invitational in Yerington this weekend is the final tune-up for the regional championships for 1A and 2A schools.
