Cross Country is believed to be a difficult sport by many. Prior to the season’s official beginning, several students shared that belief with others. They feel they lack the necessary skills. Cross-country is indeed a sport that demands endurance, perseverance, and, most importantly, the will to succeed. Despite these challenges, St. Petersburg High School athletes continue to persevere and achieve their goals.

One of the best things about Cross-Country is the community. Each and every one of the athletes works together and lifts each other up, encouraging them to do better. Jade Kennedy is a junior and this is her first season with St. Petersburg High School. She always strives to be the best while encouraging others to push themselves to a higher level. In an Interview, Kennedy said that she believes “the running community is supportive, and we can all have fun and bond together as a team.”

Another reason Cross-Country is an incredible sport is the sheer determination of its athletes. These remarkable individuals face every day with the goal of becoming the best runners they can be. They put in the hard work at practice, never complain, and by the end, they always want to do more. Even when a race becomes challenging, they remain resolute and continue to push themselves to go faster, inspiring us all with their unwavering commitment. Abner Neumann is a junior and a captain of the boys Cross-country team. Throughout his 3 years with the team, he has shown that he is a leader and encourages others to be their best. Neumann said “I remind myself that it’s me against me, not me against the clock, or anyone else.”

In the beginning of the season, everyone was still working up to their greatest potential. They started out by working to increase their mileage and slowly bringing it up. The girls captains are Kyra Galvin, Sofia Carranza, and Jessica Grasso. These girls lead stretches, encourage others, and always show up to practice with a smile on their face. They show perseverance and strive to do their best in every situation. The boys captains are Charlie (Chuck) Eggiman, Abner Neumann, and Tucker Henry. These captains have worked hard to help their team, lead practices, and encourage others to work hard.

Running is not reserved for those with innate skills. It is a sport that rewards effort, a positive attitude, and a desire to improve.