By Emeir White ’26
The cross country team is off to a fast and steady start!
Senior captain Andrew Straley, a fierce and powerful runner, believes that the team will do great this year.
Straley said, “It is not just the races; training has gone very well this season, and as it progresses, I am feeling faster and faster. The team has also found some success this season, which is really nice.”
This year, the team has lost three of its seniors from the previous year, as well as being moved up to the top division in the state. While their goals have changed, their mindset has stayed the same as they want to be the best versions of themselves.
The training for the Crusaders cross country team clearly plays a crucial role in how they are doing.
Andrew also said, “This team is different from last years’ and even the one before that. I have also seen our guys in their workouts for the past few weeks, and it’s safe to say that I am excited to see what they can do.”
This past weekend, they ran at the Run Down at The Oaks Invitational. The top three finishers on the team were Andrew Straley (5th place out of 95), Oliver Davis, and Declan Nieto, with times of 15:23,16:41,17:39.
Senior Oliver Davis said, “Even though it was a hilly course, I made sure to not fall off and stick with the group of guys I was running with, and I out kicked them at the end.”
Last year, they were able to make it to state, so don’t be surprised if they are able to do it again this year.
