Cadet Powell Finishes 10th in State in Cross Country

Cadet Powell Finishes 10th in State in Cross Country

Cadet Bryson Powell, a high school senior from Brighton, Colorado, ran a 17:18 on the 3.1 mile (5K) course to finish 10th at the Missouri State High School Activities Association cross country Class 2 championships in Columbia, Missouri, on Saturday, November 5, 2022. 

This year's finish when paired with last year's 21st place finish makes Powell a two-time All-State Cross Country runner. Powell's 2022 race time was slightly behind the 2021 race time of 17:09. Poor race conditions on Saturday and an injury sustained in the offseason contributed to challenges for Powell in the 2022 state championship run.

"Powell sustained an injury during the offseason last spring that required surgery, " says MMA Colonels head cross country coach Dr. Ryan Nowlin. "The fact that he was not allowed to train for several months really put him behind when compared to other top runners across the state."

"He has not only grown accustomed to overcoming adversity, but he appears to thrive on it," says Nowlin. 

Thriving on adversity has led Powell to earn a medal at every single individual meet he has raced in since coming to MMA in August 2021. 

"All in all, he has earned 24 medals while representing the Fighting Colonels Cross Country team, and I couldn't be prouder," says Nowlin. 

"I think I have been successful as an MMA athlete because of both my work ethic here but also my work ethic well I wasn't here," says Powell. "I have been working to get better at this sport long before I ever got here. I also had a very supportive coach who both pushed me and listened to my concerns."

One of Powell's goals for this season was to help his entire team to qualify for the state competition. The Colonels fell just short of this goal, finishing in sixth place out of 23 teams at the district qualifier, needing to finish fourth place or higher to send the entire team to state. 

Powell encourages his fellow Colonels athletes to maintain an attitude of perseverance.

"Don't quit. As long as you show up every day and work hard you will become a better version of yourself," he says.

Powell has received several offers to run cross country in college. He plans to enlist in the United States Army and serve his country after MMA graduation. 

"I have no doubt that whatever crosses Bryson Powell's path in the future, thanks to MMA, he will have the strength and integrity to always overcome that adversity as well," comments Nowlin.

Cadet News