by Isabella Stewart

The cross country team has grown significantly this year, starting with the size of the team. Coach Sam Mull, who also coaches track, has seen growth from runners this year and encourages each runner to run track for the spring. 

This year’s cross country team has a fair amount of the same team as the previous year; the only major difference is that this year’s girls’ team is slightly larger than in past years. Coach Mull is always welcoming more. 

Cross country is a coed sport. Team members practice everyday from 2:45 to 4:30, and the girls and boys practice and then attend meets together. 

Freshman Marcus Baker described the intensity of running for a high school team. 

“As a student who went to Parkview Middle School, I can say this is a different experience than back in middle school. I feel like I have run better this season than any other, and I think the reason is the coach.”  

Mull said, “The best part about coaching is watching kids who don’t believe in themselves do something they thought they couldn’t.” That’s something that motivates him everyday because he loves to watch them grow significantly as a person and as a runner.

Senior Isa Santos Moore is in his first year of running cross country, and his brother, junior Ari Santos Moore, is the reason he got into it. Isa stated that running cross country is a team sport that requires a mental focus.

“Journaling and talking to myself really help me run because focusing on my mentality is what is going to get me through the race with the help of my teammates.” 

Senior Brian Juarez said unity is an important part of the cross country team’s success.

“What makes a great team is their loyalty, responsibility, accountability, and always being there for each other holding each and everyone accountable,” he said.

Coach Mull added, “Cohesiveness as a group: a group of kids who all get along and then from there cross country is based on discipline as a runner and strength.”

The cross country teams head into a Hoosier Hills COnference tournament tomorrow at Columbus East.