Springs Valley Community High School

In recognition of their outstanding cross country season, Springs Valley High School's XC standouts, Alan Marshall and Grant Brown, have been named Class 1A All-State for the 2023 season. This marks the third consecutive All-State honor for Grant and the second for Alan. Adding to the team's accolades, juniors Carson Brown and Andre Ayres received well-deserved Honorable Mention All-State Honors. All four of the honored runners are ranked as four of the five fastest 5K runners in school history. All four earned PLAC All-Conference. Marshall, Carson and Grant Brown all set 5K PR’s under 16 minutes while first year runner Ayres was under 17 minutes. There have never been 4 who were faster at Springs Valley. Notably, Alan and Grant made history as the first Springs Valley runners to earn All-Conference honors in each of their four high school years. The Springs Valley 2023 cross-country team, captained by Marshall and Grant Brown, wrapped up its most successful season in school history. The team clinched 1st place at eight invitational races, secured the school’s first ever PLAC title, claimed runner-up at the sectional, reached the Regional for only the second time, and concluded with an impressive record of 118 wins and 16 losses. Alan Marshall's season showcased a remarkable progression, starting his first meet of the season with a 5K time of 18:12 at Forest Park and culminating in a stellar 15:55 at the State Finals. He became the first Springs Valley runner to ever advance to the State Finals, where he finished 48th out of 250 runners. Marshall was the second-fastest Class 1A runner at the State meet and the state's 24th fastest senior. Grant Brown, the team’s MVP had a spectacular year setting a new school record of 15:50 and leading the team in 9 of 13 meets. Grant was crowned champion at 3 separate invitationals and runner-up at the PLAC Conference meet. Carson Brown was a crucial part of the Big 3 and finished 2nd for the team in 7 of 13 meets. His PR time of 15:51 is the second fastest in school history. Andre Ayres, who was in his first year as a cross country runner, finished 4th for the team in all but one meet this season. The lone exception was a 3rd place finish. His PR time of 16:55 was the best ever for a first year runner establishing him as a steady force that contributed greatly to the team's success. Coach Derek Freeman expressed his pride, stating, “Seeing these young men honored at the state level is such an amazing accomplishment for them. All the miles and hard work often goes unnoticed by a lot of people. It's good for people to see them honored as some of the states best. They are such amazing young men and we couldn't be happier or more proud of them”. As the curtains have closed on this historic cross-country season for Springs Valley High School, the echoes of triumph and achievement linger on. These exceptional athletes, led by the senior duo of Alan Marshall and Grant Brown, have not only etched their names in the annals of school history but have also set a standard of excellence that will resonate for years to come. The accolades, records, and well-deserved recognitions are not just a testament to their physical prowess but also to the unwavering dedication, teamwork, and resilience that define Springs Valley's cross-country program. The community shares in the pride and joy of witnessing their extraordinary XC journey. With a legacy built on passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of greatness, Springs Valley's 2023 cross-country team has undoubtedly left an unforgettable mark on the school's proud athletic history. The future holds promise for the program, and the trailblazing spirit of these XC athletes will continue to inspire future Springs Valley XC teams for years to come.