The Girls Cross Country team has started their season and has participated in two major invitationals at Hinsdale and Lake Park.

Athletes prepare for these meets by vigorous practice 6 days a week including interval training, speed work, recovery runs, mile repeats, hill workouts, and more.

“The season is going fantastic so far. We have a great group of young ladies who support one another and work hard ever day,” head coach Andrew Swedberg says. “The team is working on improving our standing in the conference.”

Athletes are also very confident in their and their teammates abilities this season.

“Our team is doing very well this season. We’re doing exactly what our coaches have been telling us to do,” junior Nicole Knudson says.

At Harm’s woods, the girls cross country team came in second place to Deerfield. Maine West and Maine East came in 3rd and 4th place, respectively.

Senior captain Trinette Lopez placed 9th with a three mile time of 21:16. Senior captain Grace Haggerty finished in 13th place, with a final time of 22:12.

The junior varsity team also had a successful meet. Freshman Brittany Abrams finished in 19th place out of a total of 78 runners. Her final time for her 2 mile, 370 yards race was 17:46.

According to Swedberg, Cross Country is a sport that gives back. “Cross country is a sport that is a great opportunity for young adults to learn life lessons to improve your physical fitness for the rest of your life,” Swedberg says.

Come out to support the girls cross country team at their next quad at Maine East High School on Oct. 1.

Go Vikings!