CROSS COUNTRY W

 

Win for SHS Cross Country!

By: Julia Miller

On Tuesday September 23rd, the Sparta High School Cross Country Team won their meet, a 5K at Greystone Park. The girls defeated Montville and Roxbury, while the boys defeated Pope John. 

Senior and captain Ashley Crane won first place overall, with a time of 20.20. She said “Last week I was there, I was in first the whole time, but then in the last 200 meters I got passed; but at yesterday's meet the same thing happened, with the same girl, but I didn’t let her pass me.” Ashley also noted that “The first two miles are good, but the last mile is tough.”

The Sparta High School Cross Country Teams are “not only good runners, but good friends” says Kate Sutphen. Kate also stated “We’re a strong group of girls, we're determined and connected together.  If someone has a bad day the team can pick them up and help them out.” The team's connection gives them strength, helping them to succeed. Tyler Harms also noted this when he said “The success of the boys team came from our teamwork - lots of us raced strategically to help others improve their times. It was really a team effort, not individual at all.” 

Not only do the teammates have a great connection with each other, but also with their coaches. Talia Sanchez, captain of the team, said “I think that having great coaches really makes a significant difference. Having them to lean on keeps us together as a team. Coaches Mitchell and Gilmartin inspire us to be the best that we can be.” Coach Mitchell also commented “I am very proud that the girls are working together as a team in order to improve their collective times and individual times.” 

The strong relationship the teammates have between each other and their coaches is what makes the team thrive. A major part of cross country as a sport is having mental toughness and  strong endurance. Julian Laznik Morgan, a runner for the cross country team, stated, “The moment you give up is the moment your work goes to waste.” The boys and girls cross country teams demonstrate that having teammates to lift you up and help you through struggles helps you remember to never give up and persevere.