Forbes Runs His Way to State Cross Country
It was October in 2023, and the Ram Cross Country team traveled to Orange City for their state-qualifying meet. Charlie Forbes was among the runners hoping to continue to the state meet. Unfortunately, he placed 16th, and only the top 15 were to advance to State.
Fast forward to a year later. Forbes, like last year, did well at the meets during the regular season. Like last year, he and his teammates went to Orange City for the state-qualifying meet. Unlike last year, Charlie easily qualified to run in Fort Dodge for the state meet.
"Last year he (Charlie) finished 16th, and that has really driven him this year to do the best he can," commented Coach Corey Dose. "I just love when a kid decides to take a little adversity and tackles it head on."
Charlie, the son of Jessica and Tom Forbes of rural Mapleton, reiterated that last year's disappointing finish put the fire under his feet to work a little more to make sure he would medal at the state-qualifying meet this year.
"This summer I just had to push and to keep training," he explained. "You just had to want it for yourself. You've gotta wake up early. When others want to stay inside, you just have to want it for yourself."
Charlie's extra work definitely paid off.
"I was pretty confident coming into it (the state-qualifying meet)," Charlie added. "I had some nerves like, ‘Hey what's going to happen, what's the weather going to be like' but I felt good."
The Ram senior wasn't alone in his quest to success. While they run individually and may not see another member from MVAOCOU while running in a meet, the team cheers each other one and encourages them to keep on goin. This encouragement is one reason Charlie joined the cross country team. He stated that he became tired of the low morale in the struggling football team and decided to try cross country.
"On the very first day, everyone welcomed me with open arms," Charlie stated. "They were ready to go to practice, and they wanted to practice. Everyone wanted to be there. I have loved it (cross country) because of the people."
Coach Dose, one of those who rallies for all the runners on the team, agreed with Charlie's thoughts.
"The team is a great group of kids," Dose added. "They cheer each other on. I couldn't ask for a better group of kids to coach. They bring a good work ethic to practice every day."
It is worthy to note that one other team member became oh so close to continuing her cross country season. Hayden Armstead placed 16th to just miss going on to Fort Dodge. Perhaps her story will mirror Charlie's and she will get the medal next year.
Charlie will be running at Fort Dodge at 2:45 on Saturday, November 2nd. Good performance, to you, Charlie!