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Written by: Taelum Vergara
Photos by: Taelum Vergara
Contributors: Kayla Strike and Ava Puhlmann
Blakelock's Cross Country Uniforms
On October 25th, after weeks of preparation and training, the Blakelock cross country team headed out to Hilton Falls Conservation Area for Golden Horseshoe Athletic Conference (GHAC).
Leading up to this event, the cross country team had committed to a consistent tri-weekly practice schedule. They met after school to complete different workouts and sessions as prepared by their coach, Mr. Rochus. The entirety of the team worked tirelessly, some adjusted to long distance running, while others continued their summer training.
Over the course of the season the team has grown, improved, and developed a strong camaraderie.
When asked about the cross country season, Mr. Rochus summed it up as, “A lot of good progression, a lot of surprises, our senior boys came fourth yesterday at pre-GHAC which is huge, really good. So yeah, good progress, good surprises, a really hard working team, and the chickens are coming home to roost…”
For the first time after weeks of preparation, on September 28th, the team put their skills to the test at the Dundas Valley Gryphon Meet, located at Christie Lake Conservation Area. The team performed well, and had a positive experience at their first meet. The event was well planned, the course was challenged and encouraged competition between teams, while not being overly treacherous. Unfortunately due to the overlap of the cross country meet and Blakelock’s Terry Fox event, the team was left without a tent. Nevertheless the team persevered, finding some shady trees to rest under and in the end, left with a greater appreciation for nature.
On October 19th, the cross country team attended Pre-GHAC, an event held one week before GHAC, to give runners a preview of both the course and the event as a whole. The course proved to be difficult, narrowing off shortly after the starting area and forcing runners into a tightly packed group and leaving little room for movement. The course then steeply inclined. This is all within the first 400 meters.
The central part of the course, although more spacious than the start, was confusing and tiring for the runners. The endless leaves and trees showed no signs of progress and made the run feel even longer.
Grade 10 participant Taelum stated, “ The race was difficult, but with the help and motivation of my teammates, I was able to perform better this season than I anticipated early on.”. At the end of the course there was a steep decline, followed by a 200 meter straightaway, leading to many fierce battles for finishing positions.
The cross country team has performed well and is looking forward to racing again next year.
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