Cross country is a very physically demanding sport that involves running for lengthy periods of time. Freedom’s current cross country team consists of members from all grade levels. You can find these athletes either running around school property, or even out into various locations within the district. Extreme heat, rain and even snow doesn’t stop the members of this team from running. They are always outside working hard to be the best they can be.
Last year the team lost a vast amount of seniors but there are quite a few new additions to the team this season: Freshmen Meghan Kiefer, Madeline Kiefer, Joey Pail, Jarret Boyd, Junior Zach Kugel and Senior Lane Ward.
This sport requires dedication and determination. “We run every day and when we run we try to not focus on running as much. We just joke around with each other; it keeps you from thinking about running.” Junior Danny Conrad said.
Patience is a big part in cross country because these athletes don’t run for just a few minutes at a time at practice. They are running many miles over a very long period of time. Running for an extended period of time takes perseverance. Quitting can’t be an option if success is in mind— the members of the team have to keep running until the finish line is crossed.
According to Conrad, during practices the team relies on each other for motivation to keep going as well as moral support. Before every meet the athletes have a few unique traditions that they do to help “warm up” before their race. This includes the boys on the team getting together and warming up while standing in a circle.
In order to have a team, there is a minimum of five members required. Because of the new members, the boys are now able to have a team. The girls are still short one runner to qualify.
Cross country meets aren’t held at the high school, but you can go and support your team either at Brush Creek Park, which is their home course, or go on the website under Bulldog Athletics and go to away meets to support and motivate our team.
“We would love for everyone to come out and support us; it would mean a lot. We know it’s hard since we aren’t at the school, but the support helps,” Junior Luke Kiefer said.