The Runners of MHS

Dedication and leadership, are two pillar characteristics of top-notch cross-country runners according to. Mr. Chris Foxen, MHS’s long-time Cross Country coach balances his love for coaching cross country and teaching sociology and US History. For Mr. Foxen, several past athletes stand out to him. Such as the Dolan brothers, Tyler Olsen, Alex Batista, and more.

Cross country originated from the game Crick Run in 1838 in England. But cross country came to Iowa in 1922 and is perceived as both an individual or team sport. Even at MHS, athletes feel conflicted on how to classify the sport.

“I think Cross country is more of an individual sport. Even though we get scored as a team every meet, how you place is what matters,” said Sophomore, Drew Kurriger.

Junior, Haley Thomas, has different thoughts. She said, “Cross country is definitely a team sport because you need to rely on your teammates in order to succeed.”

Regardless of split decisions on whether or not it is an individual or team sport, most runners agree that it is a sport that combines both leisure for running and competitive nature.

“Some people would not consider cross-country a sport and would say it is more of a hobby. But when you’re competing for something so difficult, it definitely makes doing good feel a lot better. When your team scores high, or you PR [Personal Record], it makes running those 3 miles so worth it. That’s what makes it so unique to me,” said Sophomore, Harper France.

“Running with sore legs is frustrating. You think you should be going faster than you are, but your legs don’t want to move any faster,'' said sophomore Drew Kurriger. “Running while sore is actually really painful. You feel really stiff and like you’re going slower than usual.”

Cross country may also be a safe escape for a student that has a very large positive impact on their lives.

“You get faster each meet, and get a runner's high once you’ve crossed the finish line. I realized how free and peaceful running felt. My days feel lighter, and it’s kind of a stress reliever. I’ve noticed an increase in my mental health and I just feel stronger,” said Harper France.

Like the athletes, Mr. Foxen shares a love for the sport he chooses to coach. And as the cross country coach, he often runs with the athletes and reaps the benefits that the athletes experience as well.

“I have a desire to pass on my passion for running, as running changed my life in a very positive way,” said Mr. Foxen.

Mr. Foxen has coached cross country at MHS for the past 14 years and uses each year to increase his passion and improve.

“It’s very tough mentally during the race, but running with your teammates and seeing them after definitely makes it worth it,'' said Harper France.

This particular sport is filled with students with all types of motives, but they all have that one thing in common, the drive to run. Running brings them together as a whole which allows them to work together as a team while still improving individually.