In high school cross country, Class 6A is competitive, with a handful of deep, talented teams leading the way. It can be a challenge for Copper Hills to match the top squads in the state, but that doesn’t keep the Grizzlies from pushing themselves to be their best. 

While Copper Hills is hardly a one-person team, one runner has been a consistent performer and leader for multiple years. Senior Corbin Riser is having a standout season, and he’s hoping to cap it off with a strong showing at state Oct. 30 at Sugar House Park. 

“As we turn onto the home stretch of the season, I look to drop massive [personal records], both for divisionals and state, and finish this final season off on a good note,” he said. 

Head coach Garth Rushforth has admired Riser’s determination this season. He said Riser’s positive attitude and hard work have typified the entire boys team. 

“The success of the Copper Hills boys’ cross-country team this season can be largely attributed to the leadership and determination of one standout individual: Corbin Riser,” Rushforth said. “While his name may not always top the race results, his influence is undeniable in the performances of our top runners. It’s Corbin who drives them forward every day in practice, running alongside them, urging them to maintain their pace and pushing them to exceed their limits during speed workouts.”

Rushforth said Riser pays attention to detail and not only wants to be at his best but is concerned about how his teammates are performing. He exhibits good sportsmanship and does his part to represent his school well. 

“Corbin’s leadership goes beyond just physical performance,” Rushforth said. “He sets an example by taking care of the little things that matter; leading cool-down sessions after races, ensuring proper warm-ups beforehand and making sure the team area is spotless before leaving. He’s committed to ensuring that Copper Hills is recognized not only for their athletic prowess but also for their class and respect for the sport.”

Riser has seen his share of struggles, too. 

Last season, Riser battled illnesses that hampered his running times. He has used his senior year to “figure out how to race again” and train effectively. He said he has used different race strategies this year and began hitting his stride late in the season. 

“I’m confident in my current strategy and am looking forward to what I am capable of in the coming weeks,” he said. 

In addition, Riser said the team has struggled with unity, morale and camaraderie compared to past seasons. He said some athletes have not been as committed as he and Rushforth would like. This has affected the Grizzlies’ overall performance. He has also battled some injuries. 

But Riser continues to put in the time and effort to improving each day. 

“Being persistent has been the biggest part in finding success for me,” he said. “Coming back to practice every day and putting the work in despite a bad race or having to take time off for an injury is where you will find the experience you need to get better. I’ve had setbacks from growth plate issues to overuse injuries and even concussions from other sports, but I always come back. Cross country takes time, and you need to be really

patient and smart about it. I’m incredibly grateful that I stuck with it and learned as much as I did.”

Riser acknowledges that cross country is not an easy sport. It requires both physical and mental strength to enjoy and be successful. During his four years as a Copper Hills cross country team member, he has learned to appreciate what it takes to achieve personal goals and find gratification in running. 

“The things I enjoy most about the sport have changed over the years,” he said. “I think the two biggest takeaways, however, have been the support and the work rate displayed by the best of the best. What has really kept me hooked is a good group of people who all have the same goal of getting faster, stronger and building their mental fortitude. I love the mentality of ‘This is going to hurt, like a lot—let’s do it.’ Over my years here, I have built mental fortitude, learned to build relationships with a plethora of personalities (good and bad) and found an effective and healthy escape to when I’m feeling down and dealing with tough situations.”

As a freshman, Riser had no plans to be a varsity cross country runner. He only started working out with the team to prepare his body for another sport. However, it didn’t take long for him to find out that cross country was for him. 

“I originally started the summer conditioning for the cross country team in an effort to get in shape for the upcoming club soccer season,” he said. “The first run, the top boys were instructed to turn around and help out the slower runners, so I was alone for most of it, and by quite a distance. However, as the distance and pace increased by the day, I was able to keep up with the top boys for all of it. As we ran and did the strength and core workouts, I began to make connections and develop friendships with all of them. They took me under their wing and made the entire experience incredibly fun and intriguing. From there, I developed the desire to see how fast I could become and maybe earn some scholarships.”

Once the cross country season ends the day before Halloween, Riser won’t be done running. He also knows what he wants to study in college—a subject he has already had some experience with. 

“After high school, I will continue running,” he said. “I’m not sure yet if it’ll be for a college or just on my own but running is an outlet for me and a great coping method, so it will for sure be included in my future schedules. I’m looking to go into sports science and psychology and look to make breakthroughs in how athletes connect their minds to their performances to achieve what is believed to be impossible.” λ