Stockton- Cross country is a fall sport that involves running long distances across natural terrain like hills, fields, and trails. It is a sport that requires endurance and mental strength. Here at Lincoln High School, cross country is a popular option for people to connect with others, get in shape, and more.
There are many benefits to joining Cross Country. The daily practices help keep you in shape, prepare you for other sports, and allow you to connect with other people. Here’s what two people on the Cross Country team had to say about this sport.
1. Why did you join?
Skyler Slider: I joined cross country for a variety of reasons, such as to get in shape, to be part of a team, and to challenge myself mentally and physically. It’s a great way to stay active and push your limits.
Jacob Hadsall:I thought I might be pretty good at XC and it would be a good way to make new friends.
2. What do you like about Cross Country?
Skyler Slider: I enjoy the supportive team environment and the opportunity to run in different, scenic locations like parks and trails. The sport is also great for building discipline and mental toughness.
Jacob Hadsall: I enjoy the community I’ve built through XC, as I would like to say that a lot of the friends I’ve made through the team are still my friends all these years later, and whenever I see anybody from the team walking around on campus we always say hi to each other.
3. When did you start doing cross country?
Skyler Slider: I started my freshman year of high school.
Jacob Hadsall: I started doing cross country during the beginning of my freshman year.
4. Do you think people should join?
Skyler Slider: Yes, people should join if they are looking for a rewarding challenge and a supportive community. It’s an excellent way to improve your overall fitness and develop long-lasting friendships.
Jacob Hadsall: I do think that anybody who is interested should join the team, especially because we always need more runners and people dedicated to the team. The thing about cross country is not only is it a sport with a lot of community, it’s also a sport with a lot of competition and room for growth as well. Cross country is also a sport where, without really strong runners, which can be hard to find, the rest of the team tends to suffer as a result.
5. What do you usually do in cross country?
Skyler Slider: Typical cross country activities include daily running workouts, which can be a mix of long runs, speed work, and hill repeats. The team also competes in races on various courses, with distances typically ranging from 3 to 5 kilometers.
Jacob Hadsall: Usually, we have certain days in cross country where we do different things, such as Mondays being speed days, Tuesdays and Thursdays typically being long run days, Wednesdays being weight room days, and Fridays being pre-race and carb load days, or fun Fridays, or speed days. In terms of my role in cross country, as a senior I’m on the boys varsity team, running with some of the other varsity boys.
Why should you join Cross Country? For one, you get access to pre-made meals the day before races, which are usually really good. You also get to leave school during school hours on the days of races. Make sure to talk to Nicholas Hohn to check it out.
