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BorderChallenge Cancelled

Aron Taylor calls it quits on NTN rival meet in 2007

BorderChallenge, a national cross country team championship that was announced to compete with Nike Team Nationals this year, has been cancelled. BorderChallenge President Aron Taylor said that "circumstances beyond my control" caused him to cancel the meet. Taylor did not explain the circumstances, but added that he would try to "overcome these setbacks and provide an event for 2008."

Taylor issued the following statement:

September 4, 2007

To Whom It May Concern:

I would like to thank the many supporters and advocates of the BorderChallenge Championships. You know who you are and the perspective impact your efforts have made on making a dream a reality. Without you the realization of such a massive undertaking and endeavor would never have occurred. To you… Thank You.

BorderChallenge was and is about making a system for a sport I passionately love more fair, equal, and making it more personal to the high school cross country athlete. I was there on November 4, 2006 when five states united in an effort to achieve their dreams. I was there when the Dakota Ridge, Colorado girl’s team defeated the greatest collection of girls cross country teams in one race in this currently unrecognized Rocky Mountain Region. This same team which finished only 3rd in their division at the Colorado State Championships never gave up hope, ambition, and in my humble opinion fought with a spirit to compete at Nike Team Nationals. I was also there when there efforts were ignored and their dreams stayed with them in Colorado. It was for this passion BorderChallenge was created.

I believe there is something more to the sport of competition than being a track guru, self proclaimed or acclaimed editor, or for that matter those on “The Selection Committee”, the spirit of passion, heart, never giving up, always looking forward, and achieving the impossible in the face of tremendous odds that exemplify the sport of cross country. How often have teams been favored at State Championships only to lose to a dark horse?

Dakota Ridge was all of this; as a result I created with the help of many, many passionate fans, coaches, city officials, and those within “The Industry” a system I felt was more perfect.

Unfortunately, circumstances beyond my control, beyond our control have stopped our dream from becoming a reality this year. For these very, very unfortunate reasons we have been faced with the personally saddening decision to cancel the 2007 BorderChallenge Event. I personally apologize to the competitors, coaches, race directors, and those personally invested in this event. This is a disheartening turn of events that is a set back.

I would like everyone to know I am not finished. We will try to overcome these setbacks and provide an event for 2008. Through this tremendous work I have realized one thing, a fair system is possible and those in charge of the current systems have the power to change.

Sincerely and with Warm Regards,

Aron Taylor
President – BorderChallenge


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