The boys varsity cross country team is having yet again, another great season. They have been ranking in the top schools at all of their meets so far this season. In a couple of weeks they will be attending the sections meet that will determine whether or not they go to the state meet this year. They have been to state every year for the past 10 years, and they expect this year to be no different.
The boy’s hard work has been showing lately with the team’s times at their meets.
At a recent meet, senior captain Dylan Riniker ranked first place in the 5,000 meter with a time of 15:47.4.
“We’re rated fifth in the state right now,” coach Ryan Miller explained while discussing the success of the team this year.
He also mentioned if they qualify for state, he has a few specific runners that “could be in the top 25 in the state” individually at the state meet this year.Miller has been coaching the team since 2013. He has some key tips for the consistency of his teams year after year. He said it is about the coaching technique, saying, “I make sure that I’m coaching each athlete individually and trying to meet them where they’re at, and not just making a universal approach for everybody from a personality standpoint.”
When speaking with the runners on the team, they said their key to success is teamwork, and effort. They help each other stay motivated and succeed.
“We’re all friends, and we all push each other to be the best runner and best person we can be,” senior captain Andrew Walsh said.
Cross country is a very time-consuming commitment. They practice Monday through Saturday as a team, and on Sundays they practice by running on their own.
They have to practice to stay consistent and in shape. Their practices typically consist of, “anything from doing four hundreds on the track, to mile repeats over in Stillwater, and sometimes we’ll do longer runs out on Brown’s Creek,” junior George Nelson said.
It can be hard to find time to balance cross country and school with all of that practice, “It’s definitely a challenge to balance because we do miss a lot of school for meets, because they’re usually far away,” Nelson said.
They usually try to find time after practice, or on weekends to catch up on their homework.
The team looks forward to keeping up the good work, and finishing the season off strong. They have high hopes of going to state again this year, and hope everyone comes and shows their support in the next few weeks.
Rene Heimer • Oct 22, 2024 at 8:47 am
This team of runners exemplifies the best traits of students and athletes. Their dedication, grit, character and perseverance shines through. The fact that they are friends and support one another is a huge plus. I am particularly enjoying how the captains are encouraging to the newest runners on the team. I love watching them run! Go Ponies!