The cross-country team has spent countless hours running on the course, lifting in the weight room, participating in team bonding, and putting in all the needed work. At this point in the season, as it starts to wrap up, the team is looking forward to big events, from the Conference meet to Regionals. This year, the team might have a shot of having Sectional qualifiers and even State qualifiers.
The cross-country team has experienced both strengths and challenges this year. Unfortunately, injuries have taken a toll on some players. When you’re running as much as they do, you’re bound to experience some kind of injury. It’s really important for these athletes to differentiate a small injury from a big one and pay attention to when your body needs tending to.
“My hamstring made it really difficult to run, and it was challenging because I’ve been training all summer, and then I have an injury,” junior Adowa Boateng said. “It’s annoying that all of the sudden I had to take a break from running because of this injury but I came back stronger and I am proud of where I am.”
It is difficult for these athletes to do what they do every day. Committing to this team requires hard work and self-discipline.
“I will say the girls have been really dedicated,” World languages teacher Lizbeth Roman said. “They’ll run the miles we ask them to run. We try to do two hard speed days throughout the season and they’ll do it. If you tell them you have to repeat that five times, they’ll do it and they’ll push through.”
Recent changes have been made to the roster this year, including both the athletes and the coaching staff.
“This is a hardworking group of guys, some really good senior leadership,” Physical welfare teacher Glenn Olson said. “I’m new to this sport so learning it is exciting, there’s a strategy involved in how you plan for your race and prepare for the week, so that’s why I have been impressed with just the overall sport of it and then also the discipline.”
Part of the team’s success is its effort to form tight bonds with each other. Roman mentioned that they have installed a new tradition for the team: pasta parties.
“It’s best for athletes to eat pasta before any race because of all the carbs,” Roman said. “Before all the big events coming up we’re gonna have another one with the girls to get some carbs and it’s a relaxing team building activity that we don’t necessarily get to do when we’re out running every day.”
In conclusion, the cross country team represents more than just a group of athletes; they are a community united by a shared passion for running and personal growth. If you’re interested in being a part of the team next season, don’t be intimidated by the distance of cross-country running. It just may end up saving your life.
