Fall has officially begun, and so has cross country season. Cross country, or XC is a popular sport at Shadow Ridge that goes from August-October, (state meet is held in November). Runners are required to run between 3-8 miles everyday at practice depending on the day of the week, as well as competing in meets which are usually 5Ks (3.11 miles). The cross country team consists of about 40 people altogether.
Senior Angie Bollicino is a foreign exchange student from Spain. She enjoys running cross country with her team and has made a lot of good friends already just by participating in a sport.
“The team is my favorite part of cross country. Having everyone by my side really motivates me to do the best that I can,” Bollicino states.
The cross country team has practices after school every day with Coach Flynn and Coach Jimenez. The team usually races on Saturdays, but sometimes they have weekday meets as well. On average, each member of the team has run 20+ miles by the end of the week (more or less). Every Wednesday, each runner gets the opportunity to choose whether they want to go to the afternoon or the morning workout.
Bollicino explains, “I prefer the morning workout because it is cooler outside and I like working out on the track. The track feels better to run on compared to other, harder surfaces.”
As most students pack up to go home, the XC team is putting on their running attire to go practice. These athletes run around the school, in the desert near Shadow, and participate in speed drills depending on the workout.
Junior Maya Garay has been running cross country since middle school, and in the spring she runs track and field. She is passionate about running and trying to beat her personal records.
“I like the morning workouts more because that way I have the rest of the day to myself. I wish we had the option of running in the morning on other days as well, I think it would be beneficial for students who go to work or have homework and projects to finish.”
On meet days, runners are required to wear special uniforms and put on their race number. These special races often take place at a park with a course that officials set up.
Garay continues, “My favorite thing about cross country is the closeness I experience with the team and the feeling I get after I finish a workout. I always feel so accomplished.”
Over the years the XC team has won many awards from winning races against other schools. Their last trophy was won last Saturday! Other trophies and race pictures can be seen on their Instagram @srhsxc.
