Cross-Country

“XC” by Maria Guta

Cross-country is a sport like no other. It is the brute force of will and pushing physical limits. It is the sunlight between foliage blanketing feet pounding gravel in unison. It is the solidity of teammates, shoulder-to-shoulder, pushing each other on long runs and on race day. The sacred pre-race circle, hands bearing each other’s anticipation. Friendships, sunburns, and blisters grow and self-discovery flourishes.

This year, an astounding nineteen seniors graduated. The team is coached by Coach Scott Myers and Coach Kimberly Henry. I interviewed Coach Henry, XC and distance track coach and an active member of the Holly Springs running community, on her perspectives on the team and its accomplishments this season.

What was unique about this XC season?

“Having to, for the second time in two years, completely reimagine what our season would look like/be like. Last year was so restrictive, but while we had a lot more freedom to operate more normally this year, we still weren’t able to do all the social things that really define our team’s culture--namely pasta parties and our team Halloween party.”

What can you say about this team as a whole?

“This group is filled with goal-oriented, driven, feisty competitors. They work hard and have high expectations for themselves and one another. They are playful and silly, but know when it is time to be serious, too.”

What roles did seniors play this season, considering there were so many?

“This year’s senior class was amazing. They were role models for the younger runners and really set the stage for future success.”

What do you look forward to going into next season?

“I’m looking forward to even more fun and ‘normal.’ Invitationals, big trips, pasta parties. Cross-country is a grueling sport; without the fun and social stuff, mental burnout is a real challenge. I’m looking forward to a nice balance of work hard, play hard.”

Some notable accomplishments from these last few months include clenching the Women’s Freshman/Sophomore State Championship at NCRunners Elite, 7th and 10th place finishes in Regionals, and as well as freshman Rylee Barbie’s qualification for the State Championship Meet, where she finished 77th. Behind these numbers, though, lie numerous PRs and season bests on both the men’s and women’s sides. A big thank you to Coach Henry and Coach Meyers for their wisdom, and good luck to the team next fall!