With the cross country season now at a close, and the anticipation for the upcoming track season in a few months, the success of the runners at North Monument Valley Park last month is celebrated as they continue to train throughout the off-season, including insights from not only top runners and seniors but varsity newcomers about the experience and overall season. 

The cross country team enjoyed making memories not only on the course but during practice as well. “Personally, I like figure eights; they’re pretty fun,” said Lily Tong (9). Making varsity as a freshman was an amazing feat, a perfect example of how seniors and last-season varsity runners aren’t the only ones who enjoyed a successful last race. “I just tried my best at every single practice, and I think the hard work paid off.” Tong took first for the girls in a speedy 19:38, placing 22nd overall.

“My favorite course was the Desert Twilight course,” said Olivia Nau (12). “I loved running at night, and it was super flat.” Many other varsity members share this sentiment, not only getting to travel to Arizona for a couple days near the end of the season but also enjoying the unique experience of running under the lights.

A long distance race involves a series of split-second decisions; for example, whether to let up because an athlete’s running the first mile too fast or whether to pass the competitor in front of them. Runners in Coach Flannery’s sports training class were given mental preparation in order to prepare for these grueling races, especially for the final race at Regionals. “It’s supposed to hurt,” says McKeon Fogarty (12). “Run your absolute hardest, you never know how much you really have until you give it all out.” Fogarty is also ranked as the 8th fastest Pine Creek runner of all time.