Martin, Collett look to run from each other

When two of Maricopa High’s cross country runners set out on a course, there is a lot more at stake than beating the other schools.

Sophomore Taylor Martin and junior Chris Collett have created an intense rivalry this season, adding to the level of competition on the team.

“It definitely helps with the competitions and makes us push harder,” Martin said.

Martin is quick to claim he is the number one runner on the team, with Collett in second, but the results speak for themselves. Collett has been the top runner at five meets while Martin has held the top spot three times.

This is the first year of cross country for Collett, who said he was urged by his parents to try out for a sport. Collett said he is enjoying running so much that he plans to run next year and is also going to join the track team in the spring.

“It’s really social and a lot of fun,” Collett said.

Martin, competing in his second year of cross country, agrees. Running to keep in shape for his favorite sport, soccer, Martin also runs track.

Maricopa High head coach Duane Anderson welcomes the rivalry between the two runners.

Anderson said the runners are usually no more than 20 seconds apart. At the meet in Coolidge there was only a two second difference, and at the Maricopa meet there were three seconds between them.

“It’s a fun rivalry that is mostly about bragging rights,” Anderson added.

This week Martin will have a chance to tie Collett for the lead.

The Rams will run Wednesday in Florence and Friday in Benson.

Photo by Katie Winkley