Most sports run as a punishment, but this sport runs for fun. Cross Country runners were not afraid of a challenge this season and will face another challenge at the district race on Oct. 31.

  Cross Country athletes got the experience of running on all different terrains and surfaces.

  “The hardest course is Hermitage because of all the hills,” senior Johnathan Plybon said.

   They also have to run in all different kinds of weather. It could be hot, cold, raining, or be really windy.

    “The hardest weather to run in is cold because your whole body goes numb and it’s harder to get air it feels like,” said senior John Hargrave said. Plybon said that they did experience any of this weather yet this season.

     Cross Country is an individual sport, but they still consider themselves a family.

   “I consider them my family because they are always there to support and cheer you on,” junior Ashlee  Kuykendall said.  

    They make great memories as a team. Hargrave said that his favorite memory of running Cross Country is running with his friends, Plybon and senior Michael Kephart.

  Cross Country is a fun sport for some but it’s not for everyone. It takes a lot of time, dedication, and practice.

  Being in this sport takes a lot of time, practice and dedication.

   “We run hills in the subdivision and do sprint workouts for speed on the track for practice,” Kuykendall said.

  When they practice they have to be prepared to run uphill, downhill, and on grass or curvy trails, on gravel or pavement.  They practice every day after school to prepare for their meets.

     “The hardest thing about thing about this sport is mentally telling yourself you can do it,” Kuykendall said.

The runners’ last meet is on Oct. 31 in Hermitage, where they will compete in the district race.