Homer Cross Country 2017

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Our sport is your sport's punishment,” but ultimately, I think this phrase is best suited for cross country. As a cross country runner myself, I can say first hand that I cannot count how many times people have said to me, “Why would you ever do cross country? You’re crazy! I could never do that.” And I believe this is what makes cross country so great, and being a part of the team is so worthwhile.

Every year, both the boys’ and girls’ cross country teams are small in numbers. Despite the small numbers, the Homer cross country teams have always been successful. This season, the boys’ cross country team became league champions despite all the challenges they faced this season. Senior Grant Stokoe and Junior Teddy Mercer will be attending the State Meet after placing in the top 5 runners in the section at the sectional qualifying meet at VVS High School. Senior Andrew Swenson was only 1 placement off from joining them, but this is nonetheless a huge accomplishment for not only the three boys, but the entire team as well.

The girls cross country team also had a respectable season considering their small size. The team consisted of Zoe Fish, Rachel Sahm, Madison Sciera, Amelia Ponirakis, Shenequa Perry, Lauren Walling and myself. Our team did not win many races this season due to our small size; however, the few races we won were big accomplishments in the end. Nonetheless, the girls cross country team is ready to come back better than ever next season with some hard work and determination.

The cross country teams are co-coached by social studies teacher Jim Baldwin and science teacher Jason Graves. After just finishing my third year of cross country Baldwin and Graves, I can say that I have never met any people that care more about their athletes and their success than them. I strongly encourage anyone who wants to play a sport in the fall and hasn’t found something they like to give cross country a try. It’s less of a team, and more of a family, and everyone is welcome. Cross country is not easy, but it is the feeling of accomplishment after crossing the finish line that makes it all worth it.