Cross Country Accident

Monday, Sept. 26, started out as a normal day for Herriman’s cross country team. At 5:30 a.m, the boy’s and girl’s varsity teams met at Rosecrest Park. They planned to put in a few miles in before getting ready for another day at school.#Less than one mile into their run, a bright pair of headlights came speeding down Mirabela Lane at about 50 miles per hour. It veered into the shoulder, right where the boys were running.

“All of the sudden, it was just a flash and next thing I know, I’m on the ground in pain,” said Bryan Fugal, senior, who suffered a broken leg when the truck clipped him, ending his senior year of cross country.

“My first thought was, ‘how many people are hurt,’” said James Barnes, cross country coach. “I’ve never had anything like this happen, but it has always been a fear.”#The team followed safe running protocol: running against traffic on the left, wearing reflective vests, and some wore head lamps and flashing lights.

“We live in a very active community, with bikers, walkers, and runners out every day,” said Barnes. “This is a good example [of why we should] be paying attention.”