Cross Country: A 2023 Fall Season of Friendship and Growth
By: Evia Cobo and Anna Lena Leutiger
BOSTON, MASS - Interviews of the cross country season paint a picture of green races, fall foliages, and cheering teammates. Runners described the season as “fun, entertaining, enjoyable, rewarding, and a place of support.”
The team would have practices Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday with meets on Wednesdays. . Isabella Siciliano ‘24 says that “a standard practice would include a 3-4 mile run, while other practices included speed training, interval training, and even running Beacon Hill.” Fridays included team captain-led sessions. “ It may seem like lots of training, but it works out well so that students who are taking part in other after-school activities can usually still come to at least two training sessions,” says Leon Baert ‘25.
The team also participated in team activities outside of training, such as going to Marathon Sports at the beginning of the season so that everyone could get new shoes and gear together.
An undeniable characteristic of the cross country team is the compassion and support they hold for each other. Henry Lindsey ‘27 shares that “The most memorable experience was my first meet. It was also the nicest course we ran too, because the trails went through some beautiful conservation land in Weston.”
Baert also recounts this race as “ the whole team cheered for each other during the first race. No matter how fast they were running, when those of us who had already finished saw another runner coming towards the finish line, we cheered with all the energy we could muster. We even started a chant of Henry's name when he was coming towards the finish line and that made him smile, which was nice to see.” Siciliano shares the sentiment of the team's supportive spirit and shares how “whenever anyone crossed the finish line we'd all cheer them on or support them along the course.”
Cross Country is a place for anyone who enjoys running, and brings together a diverse group of students across grade levels to experience and work together throughout the season. This year the team was small, but Baert says “that just allowed us to build great rapport between teammates, and become more connected with some of my peers that I already knew and I also built bonds with people in other grades that I probably wouldn't have gotten to know otherwise.”
Senior Captain Isabella Siciliano tells us how “it's a sport that's individualistic, but you're also part of a team at the same time. She tells us that, as a senior, “this year has been extremely special as I've been on the team for 4 years now, and I became a captain. Being a captain helped me connect even more with the team, and by our championship, some tears were shed knowing it was my last time running with this team.”
Cross Country is a sport to practice cardio, reach personal goals, and above all use a sport to make strong friendships that encourage you in all aspects of your life. As Lindsey says “the cross country team is filled with really nice people, who are welcoming, encouraging, and funny. Being part of cross-country helps you feel a part of something bigger.”
Available in the Winter 2024 Print Edition
