By Nayeli Rivera Diaz
The Falcons Cross Country Team is having a good season filled with new experiences, challenges, and friendships. For many runners, cross country has become more than just running.
Briana Gonzalez, one of the team’s runners, joined after being told she was a fast runner. She was extremely nervous before her first practice but pushed through it. She has enjoyed getting closer to her teammates and has learned the importance of staying hydrated and eating well. Her goal is to run a 5K in 27 minutes.
For Ethan King, joining cross country was about the freedom of running. He felt nervous before his first practice but noticed himself improving after only a few practices. He said the team's “brotherhood and sisterhood” surprised him because older runners encourage younger athletes. His goal is to run a 5K in under 26 minutes.
Addison Herndon’s season has had its challenges. She said her season started with some struggles because of an injury, but she is getting back into it. She joined after watching her siblings run and said her favorite part is the team because everyone has become close. Her favorite memory is doing everyone's hair before meets. Her goal is to stay healthy and avoid another injury.
For Exavier Johnson, cross country started as a chance to try something fun. He enjoys long runs with friends and was surprised by the team's environment. He said that although being a new runner can feel stressful, running gets easier once you develop a routine. His goal is to run a 5K under 17 minutes.
Ava Garcia found her way to cross country through her mom. Her mom used to run cross country, which inspired Ava to join. She enjoys seeing her friends, traveling to meets and getting food with the team afterward. Her biggest challenge is getting in her own head during races, but she uses prayer and encouragement from others to keep going. She hopes to break 20 minutes and says, “Have fun with it and don't stress.”
Kolby Morris joined after getting encouragement from a friend. Travis Stoddard encouraged him to join, and Kolby decided to stick with it. He enjoys the team's environment and friendships but sometimes struggles to stay mentally focused during long races. His teammates motivate him when he wants to stop, and he hopes to improve his 5K time.
Georgia-Clairee Willoughby never expected to become part of the team. She originally did not want to join, but encouragement from Bryant and her friends changed her mind. She now enjoys helping younger runners and spending time with the team. One of her favorite memories is swimming in a creek with teammates after a meet. Her advice to new runners is, “Don’t give up. It gets easier.”
Isaiah Abel has been part of the team since freshman year. He joined after his best friend James Kemp encouraged him. He enjoys the team's home course at Anglers Park and especially remembers the bus rides with teammates. His goal is to beat his previous personal record, and he encourages new runners to keep going even when practice gets difficult.
Although every runner has different goals and experiences, they all agree that the people on the team
make cross country special. From difficult practices to races, bus rides, and friendships, the Falcons
continue to push each other forward.