For most athletes, running is just conditioning, but for the girls cross country team, it is so much more.
After spending all summer training, they are eager to compete in the Franklin Invitational tomorrow.
“To prepare for the cross country season, we have been practicing all summer and we went to cross country camp where we did lots of workouts and team bonding, like playing games and making bracelets together,” junior Cailey Thompson said.
The freshmen are excited to join the team and are looking forward to new opportunities.
“I think it is going to be more fun, and my favorite part is all the new people and friends you make,” freshman Lucy Galbraith said.
Others said the new freshmen will contribute greatly to the team and have welcomed them in as new additions.
“I think they will contribute a lot to the team. From what we’ve seen so far, they have a lot of potential and they really want to be there. They really want to work,” senior Ryann Marker said.
The coach, Mrs. Tamara Nuhfer, is enthusiastic about this season and cannot wait to see how her runners will do.
“My goal for this team is really I just want each girl to end the season happy with their results. I want to support them in any way I can to help them do their best, whatever that looks like for each of them individually,” Coach Nuhfer said.
The team hopes to advance to Regionals, and all of their hard work is put towards achieving the goal.
“My goals for the team are advancing to Regionals as a team, and if not, just getting as many people to advance as possible,” Marker said.
Each of the runners have also set personal goals.
“My goal is to get faster and to be able to run more miles and do faster miles,” Galbraith said.
Outside of simply running, the team has built a strong bond.
“My favorite part is all of the relationships and friendships that grow and build throughout the season and hanging out with all my friends,” Thompson said.
Coach Nuhfer is proud of her team and all the girls who are part of it.
“I love the cross country athletes and the heart that they have for one another,” she said.
