The cross-country team is anticipating victory tomorrow at the Franklin Invitational.
Following a summer of brutal workouts, the team’s consistency has already made a significant difference in their performances. For sophomore Eli Hawkins, daily training has led him to more than just a spectacular season-opening performance but to an increased confidence, too.
“Summer training has actually helped me more than anything this year because I did not miss any practices over the summer, so that consistency really helped me to dial into the sport better,” Hawkins said.
It is not only summer training that has led to the team’s evolving confidence in themselves but also the intentional pre-race measures taken by athletes.
“I stay consistent with my mileage and workouts before races, and I always make sure to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and Gatorade. It is also important to me to get good nutrition the night before and the morning of my races,” senior Charlotte Fletter said.
Although the team has found its groove following a win at Pike’s Hokum Karem Relay Race, pre-race jitters are still an issue. Senior Lillian Rollings finds her peace within her teammates and faith.
“When I talk to my friends, it definitely helps distract me from nerves. I am a very anxious person before races, but just telling myself that God’s got me really helps,” Rollings said.
An up-and-coming freshman, Izabella George, typically experiences negative thoughts during her races but finds comfort in the positivity that her fellow runners express.
“I am usually really nervous about how everything will turn out during my races, but my teammates have helped to calm me down by making me feel more than welcome. Everyone is really sweet, and they are very positive and uplifting,” George said.
Even with nerves in check, the cross country team is staring at a full season of 5 Ks. Some runners are already planning for their futures in the Regional and State standings.
“I am looking forward to going far as a team. Making it out of the Sectional as a team and then continuing to the Regional is an ultimate goal. I also look forward to having another person on the team go to State with me and, hopefully, making it on the podium in November,” Rollings said.
As for now, the team continues to dominate and plans to continue to do so as they go up against runners from Center Grove, Franklin Community, Indian Creek, Shelbyville, Martinsville, and Mooresville tomorrow. The boys’ team will run first at 8:30 a.m., and the girls’ team will follow.
