As the school year begins, sports become a very important part of each and every day for many of our students. Cross country is one of the most challenging sports, both mentally and physically. It takes constant hydration, plenty of training, and even mental strength. With running comes obstacles, pain, and most importantly: goals. 

Each runner has their own vision for their season. Whether or not it’s as simple as being first, or not being last, or even staying hydrated, each goal has importance as it pushes the runner to do their best. 

Senior Tate Niklasen has many expectations for his final season, as well as a goal that is currently his main focus. “My goal is to run a sub 19”. However, goals don’t come easy. “I’m going to spend a lot of time training in the weight room and continue to push myself when I run, while still having fun.” Niklasen says he’s excited to spend time with his friends, and eat the food after his races. “The food is the best part.”

Freshman Allison Middents has many goals, from becoming a better runner who’s able to run longer distances, to “getting to know all of my teammates and have fun with them throughout the season.” Middents really wants to focus “on the positives, and not dwell on the negatives.” This is her first year in cross country, and wants to focus on her overall season rather than a specific time. She’s feeling good about her upcoming season and is looking forward to what will come in the future. “I’m feeling really, really good about the season ahead. I never thought that I would be doing cross country in high school.

Senior Tyrell Williams hopes to be running sub 18 by the end of the season. “To accomplish this, I need to do our workouts to the best of my ability.” Williams is looking forward to getting better so that he can run with our top runners, but he knows the season always brings challenges. Williams said his biggest challenge is “not being at meets mentally or psyching myself out. To prepare, I use the coping techniques Varg talks about, like bracing and pacing myself.” 

Lukas Macias, a junior here at AHS, is in his second year of cross country and is ready to continue in getting better. “Honestly, I just want to beat myself from the day before, each day. With that though, I’m really looking forward to hanging out with my teammates and going to team nights, as well as seeing my progress throughout the season.” A challenge for Macias is the mentality aspect. “Sometimes I’m not 100% focused, but I just have to be mentally strong and resilient, and use the motivation from my teammates.”

Sophomore Makenna Schroeder is off to a great start for her first year in cross country. “I am feeling excited for this upcoming season because this is my first year. I love to try new things.”

Cross country is a sport in which it’s crucial to train physically and mentally. The runners for this season are taking that seriously, knowing it will be extremely beneficial in the end. The work is continuous and many goals are hoped to be accomplished by the time the season is over. The work has just begun!