Competing at state, the Cross Country (XC) team wrapped up their season with a strong finish. The XC team had a fun and rewarding year as they continued to work hard and do their best. Two girls placed in the top five, and even after losing several valuable seniors, both the boys and girls teams still qualified for state, finishing 5th for the girls and 6th for the boys.
Junior Ryen Hughes, who placed fifth at state, shared her experience: “Our whole team was proud of everyone. Some people had a great race and others didn’t have their best, but I know that afterward everyone on the team, and my coaches, were proud of us all equally.”
While running may seem like an individual sport, those who compete know how important the whole team truly is. Everyone has to work together and push each other to improve. On days when certain runners aren’t at their best—because not every race can be perfect, others step up and give maximum effort to support the team.
Hughes said, “I feel like constantly talking about whether we’re scared or not, or how we feel during the drills, helped me a lot. I would do drills with Mayci Barney, and it helped us connect and prepare each other.”
XC coach Mike Smith also shared his perspective. “I believe we set out and accomplished exactly the goals we set as coaches,” he said. “I love winning. However, I also love making sure my athletes enjoy running. I know many athletes have been mentally defeated from years past, and we wanted to change the culture into something enjoyable while still improving and working to become winners.”
Like most sports, XC takes time and effort. While success feels great, whether it’s running a strong race or hitting a new personal time, most athletes stay because of the environment. Teammates hope the best for each other and push one another to do more than they thought they could. The relationships built on the team often last long beyond high school.
Hughes reflected, “If I could describe my state experience in one word, I would say it was surreal.” She continued, “I was ranked 15th going into the race, and my only two goals were to finish and place to earn a medal. So I pushed myself and ended up getting 5th.”
State was an awesome way for athletes to close out the season. The course is tough, and runners give one final push until they cross the finish line. It takes effort, motivation, and it can be really difficult at times.
Smith states, “We were successful in all areas, athletes’ times, mental stability, friendships, health, and longevity. I am really excited to see how this program continues to develop. We lost several great seniors, but we have so many amazing returners and incoming freshmen. We will only continue to improve.”
