Joseph Bariola stuns in Season Opener
Entering the 2023 Arkansas High School cross country season, all eyes have been on James American Horse and his pursuit of national stardom, but perhaps we should have been paying more attention to Lakeside High School star Joseph Bariola.
Bariola, a Milesplit Arkansas Preseason First Team All-State selection, was electric Saturday night, finishing second at the always-competitive City Auto Memphis Twilight XC Classic en route to a new personal best time of 15:20.16.
It was no secret that the senior superstar was amongst the best distance runners in state following his 5A State Championship victory in the 1,600m and runner-up finish in the 3,200m this spring on the track, but seldomly do you see these types of starts to the season.
From the opening gun, Bariola demanded the spotlight, and now he's got it, claiming the fastest time in Arkansas and a US #38 after the first week of racing.
Bariola sent shockwaves across the state with his season opener and has put the rest of Arkansas, including American Horse, on notice.