R.E. Lee’s dream becomes a reality
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ROBERT SISK / News Virginian
Published: October 24, 2007
Courtney Moyer couldn't even make it to Robert E. Lee's tent.
"That child is such an overachiever," said Resa Aikens, the girls coach at Lee.
Carried to the blue shelter that overlooked the course at the Virginia Horse Center by one of her male teammates, Moyer was on the verge of tears.
The Lee Lady senior had just finished one of the most excruciating 5 kilometers of her life, but she finished in second.
"The last mile-and-a-half I was hurting pretty bad," she grimaced after a minute of rest. "It was pretty much survival."
Moyer rode a bike for seven miles on Saturday, causing stabbing pains behind her knees.
"Like the last half mile I started to get a cramp, but I pushed through it," she said. "I was like 'Oh, second place might as well finish it.' "
The only thing wrong with finishing up front is the wait for the final results. Everyone knew where they finished but what really mattered on Wednesday is the team. No one from the either Lee teams can remember the last time that both squads went to a regional meet.
"I'm living on the edge right now," Aikens said. "We are trying to find out right now when the last time Lee High girls sent someone to regionals."
Hour-long minutes went by as Lee gathered, contemplating all of the possibilities before the score sheets buzzed out of the officials' tent.
"I wasn't surprised, but when they said we are going to regionals I was happy," Heather Morris said. "I was sad at first because I didn't know."
Pack your bags and get ready to go to Lynchburg, R.E. Lee was fourth, making the cut by seven-points.
The moral victories are over and dreams have become a reality.
"It's everything, its so awesome," Moyer said. "They still get to practice they will love that."
Holding the rain soaked results in her hands, every runner greeted Aikens with hugs and congratulations, the work paid off.
"It's a phenomenal experience. I told them the entire season they could pull it out," Aikens said.
But, wait the day's not over yet.
The Lee boys were lining up, waiting for the cap gun to fire.
The girls dispersed and surrounded the course, cheering on their teammates, shouting bumper sticker slogans as they passed.
Could the Leemen make it too-
After they took three of the top-15 positions the hypothetical questions ceased and the celebration began.
The Leemen finished in second, well behind Southern Valley powerhouse Fort Defiance, but that's not what's important. Lee made its presence known.
After years of being the joke, insult target, dog meat and laughing stock of the district, Lee shed its losing titles.
What might be worse for the district, is they're getting used to finishing near the top.
"We are young still. Out of my top five, only two are graduating," Lee boys coach Andrew Frye said. "We are always looking for the next year."
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