By Taylor Conley

A particularly energetic group of Middle Schoolers wake up at 5 am on a weekday to get to their 6-7 am practice. The MS cross country season had a great start to their season.  These athletes start their run at Ken McDonald Golf Course, and turn back at 6:30. Occasionally, they run at Papago Park.

They practice on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. The practice usually starts off with some stretching, and afterwards a 4-mile run. Coach Gwen Multine is the head coach, with Coach Maria Arana and Mr. Sayer as the assistant coaches.

Sarah Penry, an eighth grader on her third year in cross country, says: “What I like most about running is that you don’t have to be good to do it, you just have to run.”

These athletes have numerous reasons for why they enjoy running. Another eighth grader, Catherine Ross, who has been in cross country for three years, likes competing against herself rather than others. Others participate to stay active and fit.

Clare Bergin is a new sixth grade runner who joined cross country because “I’ve never run long distance before, and I wanted to try it and challenge myself.”

The group participates in local events, which are only 3-6 miles. On Friday, Aug. 31, runners participated in Moonlight Madness, a 5k, their first meet of the season.

If you like running, and didn’t join cross country this season, you may enjoy the spring sport track and field.