By Rich Winter

Upon arriving in Rapid City for Lakota Nation the first person I ran into was Robert Taken Alive as he was checking into his hotel for the weekend. The clerk behind the counter asked his name and he said Taken Alive, to which I asked if he was from Eagle Butte or McLaughlin. 

“Eagle Butte, that’s an insult,” Taken Alive said. “Just kidding.” 

While standing in line Mr. Taken Alive noted that he was in Rapid City to watch his grandson run cross-country.

“Jayden, the 8th grader,” I asked. 

To which he said yes and we talked for a few more moments about an up-and-coming runner in the northern part of South Dakota. 

On Saturday, under nearly perfect conditions, the Rapid City Central team got out quickly with four runners in the lead pack, followed by Taken Alive. The eighth grader took the lead after the first mile and steadily pulled away for a 24 second victory. 

Rapid City Central easily won the boys team competition. 

Boys results: 

Team scores: 1. Rapid City Central 22; 2. White River, 51; 3. Wyoming Indian, 55; 4. St. Francis Indian, 95