Across the City With the Cross Country

Submitted by david.thacker on

Cross country races are becoming more and more important to the team at SFHS.

This year’s roster includes: Josi Braithwaite, Kaitlin Hallam, Braden Gardner, Maddi Hanson, Alyce Milton, Jackie Tagg, Cassandra Jackson, Jessica Pounds, Katherine Raleigh, Lindsey Black, Emma Christensen, Lara LaGraisse, Sean Lewis, Jared Nelson, Nick Runolfson, Joseph Cary, James Potter, Shad Prior, David Aust, Kolby Black, A. Cyle Cope, Josh Fallon, Christian Harreld, Kaiden Hunt, Ty Jurkatis, Andrew Masterson, Ben Rosenbaum, David Smiley, Lafe Baum, Brandon Leavitt, Tanner Runolfson, and Reed Younger.

 The Lobo Howl interviewed runner Jared Nelson about his experiences on this year’s team.  “I have normally only run about one mile a day, but this new experience is pushing us further-- to about six miles a day!” Jared Nelson exclaimed.

Jared thinks that the biggest distraction for him and the team is, “Seeing another runner, from a different team, ahead of you or knowing that someone is going to beat you.”  His own personal distraction is, “The crowd, people who are watching you or cheering you on.”

Jared told The Lobo Howl the team has suffered some minor setback with injuries that prevent runners participating.

Jared Nelson and Tanner Runolfson have knee injuries and Katilin Hallam’s back is hurt.

Runners work hard to juggle the demands of training and school work.  “My grades are a little harder to keep up on while I am on the Cross Country team because it takes time for homework and practice,” says Jared.  Runners also struggle to conquer fears; some worry about bumping from other racers and pushing while racing.  Coaches tell runners, “Don't go down the wrong path.”

The team hopes to improve on their times and endurance.  Good luck to all the cross country runners here at Spanish Fork Junior High.

 

Attributions
By Tristan Anderson—Assistant-Editor-in-Chief