On Saturday, November the 28th, Fillmore's top female runner stepped up to the starting line representing the Fillmore Flashes at the Division 4 State Cross Country Finals held at Woodward Park in Fresno. It was a cool 36 degrees at 9:05 a.m. and the individual qualifiers drew a poor lane at the extreme left of the start line.

Boom, and they were off. Carissa had a good start but found it difficult to maintain her pace. She had worked so hard to make the State meet and to lead her team during this season. In retrospect a fast start, then trying to work her way up to the front became a difficult task that along with the cold weather and tough competition sapped important strength and power from Carissa. Added to this, she ran for the first time this season without her team. Today, she was unable to move up and compete for a top spot, as has been her trademark this season. Carissa finished in 80th place running a 20:01.8.

Let me say that we are extremely proud of Carissa and the effort that she has put forth for us at State Finals and throughout her first season as A Flash. This was certainly a great learning opportunity for a promising young athlete who will have many more opportunities to represent the community of Fillmore in future post season competition.

Carissa is a determined young lady who has worked hard to achieve her successes. She is a front runner who competes to win. This year she led the girls team 8 out of 11 races. The other 3 race, she finished a close second. State Finals proved to be a tough one, but certainly a learning experience for future meets and Carissa let me say it again, you have made us proud.