What is Joel’s potential after 16th state finish in 2023

STAFFORD — It's safe to say the Valadez family is on a first-name basis.

The Stafford cross country team features senior Joseph Valadez and his freshman brother Jobe Valadez, along with junior Josue Valadez and his sophomore brother Joel Valadez.

Joel Valadez earned a 16th-place state medal after placing fourth at regionals and sixth at the Heart of the Plains League meet.

"After a great freshman season for Joel, he definitely carries the Eye of the Tiger when it comes to pushing his body," said Stafford coach mark Mock. "I'm anticipating another great state performance. I foresee his brother, Josue, being a leading runner in the HOPL League as well.

Mock enjoys rare opportunity to coach two brother tandems.

"Having two brother duos on the team (Joel and Josue) (Joseph and Jobe) has been a great dynamic," Mock said. "It helps us hold on to a family-first mentality. Samuel Lowther is our newest member to the team. His experience running distance during track season helps. He's shown the qualities of a good cross country runner." 

Mock said the tight-knit team is fun to coach.

"What I enjoy most about coaching cross country is watching young athletes get excited about pushing themselves farther than they ever thought," he said. "Many people underestimate the mental game cross country really is. When athletes overcome the challenge, it's the most rewarding thing to witness. Cross country can be a tremendous character builder."

Mock wants to see steady progress.

"The newcomers are showing signs of being competitors," he said. "They all show maturity in many aspects and hold themselves to a high standard even apart from running." 

STAFFORD ROSTER

SENIOR—Joseph Valadez (REG 57TH); Samuel Lowther

JUNIOR—Josue Valadez (R 27TH, HOP 17TH)

SOPHOMORE—Joel Valadez (S 16TH, REG 4TH, HOP 6TH)

NINTH-GRADER—Jobe Valadez

STAFFORD SCHEDULE

9-5—at Pretty Prairie

9-14—at Pratt

9-19—at Stafford CC

9-26—at Larned

10-1—at Lyons

10-3—at Pratt

10-10—at Goessel

10-17—Heart of the Plains

10-26—at 1A regionals

11-2—1A state, Wamego