Cross country is one of those sports that not a lot of people do, simply because they do not believe that running is an enjoyable activity. Those who do join have many different reasons for doing so. Some like the team aspect, some want to get in shape, and some do actually like running. Whatever the reason may be, usually cross country runners form a strong bond because of that small team aspect. Runners come and go, forming new bonds, and sometimes lifelong friendships. This year’s cross country team made it far as a whole, with a full team of both girls and boys qualifying for districts, which is the most in Hamburg history.
Captain and senior, Abe Rogers, says that his senior season went really well and that breaking some records along the way was fun. He thought it was fantastic that we got a boys and girls team to districts, but he was disappointed that he just missed states. He shared “I put everything on the line, trained through counties even though I could’ve gotten a medal, and I did it all just for a chance to run with the best in the state.” He thinks the team was amazing though, and he would not have been able to do it without them, but he is sad it is all over.
Sophomore Alyssa Umberger says that the team experience with cross country made it that much more enjoyable. She enjoys all the times the team was able to just let loose and have for. She enjoyed picking flowers, having a mud fight, and using glitter, hairspray, eyeblack, and ribbon at the meets. She is also happy that the team was able to make districts.
Although nobody quite made states, every runner did a great job and had a phenomenal season. It is clear to see that the team plays a big role in making cross country enjoyable and shows that it is not all about running. So when considering whether to do a sport, consider joining cross country.
