Cross Country

Cross Country: The Sport that Brings People Together

By Rylan Mitchell and Leah Emmert, on Tuesday Dec. 9

Cross Country is a sport that many people enjoy and is often referred to as the sport that brings people together through sharing their love for running. “I enjoy running because it's really a team sport and it helps you get closer with your competitors and your teammates,” said Tate Ruthers, a senior at Sheridan High School, and the first 4-time Muskingum Valley League (MVL) champion.

This year, Sheridan had yet another successful season of cross country. The girls and boys teams both celebrated accordingly, with food, laughs, and fun times. Members from both teams made it to state this season. On the Girl’s team, Sheridan Glenman, Nora Covey, Beckett Strong, Dee Riley, Addie Dennis, Ella Connors, and Reece Thieken all qualified for state. And the boy’s team state qualifier was Tate Ruthers.

Ruthers gives his thoughts on essentially why the sport brings people together. “It puts people through ups and downs and everyone has each others' backs no matter what," said Ruthers.

Throughout the season, this team has built a strong foundation from just running alone.

One-time MVL champion, sophomore Sheriden Glanemann, a member of the Girl’s Cross Country team gives her opinions on why having a good relationship with the team is guaranteed to give them a successful season. “It helps because since you're all racing together it helps you in the overall race and I think it just brings us all together,” said Glanemann.

“It brings people together because everyone who runs shares similarities because it's a tough sport and it takes a lot of people to get through it,” said Glannemann. 

For a small town, getting together is one of the key aspects of having a good community. Cross-country helps to lay a strong foundation of unity and loyalty within the citizens of Perry County. 

Pickerington North Girls’ Cross Country Classic 

By: Kenzi Perkins, on Wednesday Aug. 28

Sheridan High School’s Girls’ Cross Country team competed for the first time this season at the Pickerington North Cross Country Classic 5k this past Saturday, Aug. 24. The team is part of Division II, however they competed in the Division I race at Pick. North. Racing where the competition is more intense can be intimidating, but the Ladies’ Running Regiment rose to the occasion, many girls placing high in the ambitious environment.

Sheridan sophomore Sheriden Glanemann was the Lady Generals’ top runner this Saturday, placing 14 out of 396 runners, with a time of 20:09.90. Senior Nora Covey placed 66, running a 21:33.30. The freshmen of the team stepped up into their places; Adriana Pack in 82 and Dee Riley in 134. Sophomore Ella Connors came in 176, followed by Addie Dennis in 198. Junior Harper Nash finished 249, and Sophomore Nora Cooperrider in 295.

The Sheridan Girls’ Cross Country team has seen many impressive runners over the years, and this year is no different. One of these notable athletes is Sophomore Sheriden Glanemann. While one of the younger girls on the team, Glanemann has proved herself to be an asset to the Lady Generals, as demonstrated by her competitive time at this weekend’s race.

“I knew with me racing in Division I that I would have to push harder to earn a spot in the top 20. I knew that we were going against great runners, but I have raced against Division I runners before, and I just had to think of it as another race,” Glanemann confessed when asked how she felt about racing in a higher division, demonstrating the courage that courses through the Running Regiment’s runners.

The mental toughness of the Sheridan Generals has been shown by the girls’ performances this weekend, giving us all a peek at what lies in store for the remainder of the season; the first race of the season has revealed that the Lady Generals’ Cross Country team are set up for great things this year. Racing as a DII team amidst Division I girls, nonetheless going on to place well, fortifies the reputation of the Sheridan Running Regiment. While a fairly young team, they demonstrate considerable talent, and we’re all greatly anticipating the high performances to be made this Cross Country season.

If you’re interested in the Lady Generals’ Cross Country team’s success this fall, you can show your support by attending their next race on Saturday, Sept. 7 at Watkins High School.