The Preuss schools girl’s cross country team has finished the season strong with the title of league champions. The team has worked hard constantly trying to drop time after coming back from a long break due to the pandemic. For most on the team this was their first season while for some it was their last. For returners it’s their second year in a row winning the title of league champions.

   When asked how she felt about winning league for the second time, Alexia Melendez, a senior on the team said, “It feels great! I think that this second win shows that the girls were committed to the team throughout the season by attending our regular league meets (even if it meant skipping some classes) and practices.” Angela Perez, another senior on the team said “I feel privileged to have been a part of the team. I’m so proud and confident in the team we’re leaving for next year.”

    For the majority of the team this was their first season and their first time winning league. Ashley Lopez, a sophomore, spoke on how she felt about winning league and said, “For most of us it was our first cross country season and it was pretty amazing how our teamwork at meets paid off and being able to qualify on all the meets. Our mindset really paid off during races since it’s a really hard sport and I’m glad that we got a second league win in a row.” It took lots of training, dedication, and teamwork for them to achieve this win. The entire team is ecstatic about the win.

   To these athletes running is something that has impacted them all in different ways. Some runners such as Valerie Colin, a freshman on the team, never had interest in running previously. Colin said that, “Being part of the cross country team has introduced me to a new hobby and interest. Before starting this journey, I never was totally interested in running competitively or for fun, but after being in this team, the sport became something that I found fun and enjoyable. The individuals in these teams are truly amazing and wonderful people to be around. They made this experience even more entertaining, gave me tips, were really inclusive of everyone, and made running more enjoyable as a whole. Ms. Anderson is a great coach who I find is really motivating due to her amazing energy. Running in cross country has been a wonderful experience to take part in.”

    While other runners such as Alexia Melendez have always enjoyed running. Melendez stated that, “Running has always been something I enjoy doing and being able to take it on a competitive level and improve day by day has been pretty fun. Being a part of the cross country team has encouraged me to become a better runner and has taught me how to discipline myself as an athlete.” The impact of running and being a part of the team has been a different journey for each athlete. For some it was the beginning of a new interest, for others it taught discipline, and for some like Angela Perez it taught acceptance. Perez stated that, “Cross Country has taught me self acceptance and discipline and taught me to appreciate the small victories in life.” 

   Many of this year’s runners will be returning next fall for the 2022-23 season. They all have shown to be dedicated runners who have many goals and aspirations for the next season. Ashley Lopez, stated, “One of the main goals I have for cross country is to bring my 3 mile time lower than I have and to take practices a bit more seriously to start reaching my goal. I also want to start taking the steps of becoming a captain and cheer on my team and introducing new people to the sport”. When Valerie Colin was asked about her goals she said, “My goals for next year in cross country are to improve my PR score to around 24 minutes and make new friendships. Next year I want to attend more meets to compete in. I’m looking forward to it!” The team has grown in many aspects, accomplishing so much within this season. They’ve constantly worked to drop time on their PR’s to win the league title. With this win comes the end of the season. Though it may be sorrowful that the season has ended, the team has grown in many ways. We can only look forward to what they’ll bring next season.