By EMMA NORMAN – The IHS cross country team started off the season running at California University of Pennsylvania. The boys placed 2nd at the meet and the girls placed 10th. On September 7, the team ran at the Red White and Blue Invitational at Schenley Park in Pittsburgh. The boys placed 2nd at the meet and the girls placed 9th. On September 13, both the boys and girls team placed 1st at the Kiski Invitational. 

The team started the season strong and are confident in their abilities. Although the official season started at the beginning of the school year, many of the runners dedicated their summer to training for the season. They have set goals and are excited to see where their abilities lead them. 

The cross country team is known for being a very close team. Their spirit and positivity drives them towards their success. Senior Brooke Boyer is excited about her first year on the team commenting, “I’m really happy to be a senior on such a fantastic team here at IHS. I love being part of such a close team.”

Junior Tucker Davis, who has been a part of the team for three years, stated, “My favorite part about being a part of the team is the support I get from my teammates.  I love working with people that have the same goals and aspirations as I do. We are able to hold each other accountable every day at practice, and we work through problems together.  I couldn’t imagine where I would be today without the team. At the end of the day, only seven runners make varsity, but every single person contributes to the success, whether they realize it or not.”

Freshman Emma Grim is enjoying being a part of the team as well. She remarked, “It is a great atmosphere with really great people. Even when the running is hard my teammates make it fun and positive.”

Although the season has just started, the team is confident in their ability to get better throughout the season. Boyer stated, “We are not very far into the season right now, but I’m feeling good about it and what’s to come. Every practice has been enjoyable with the rest of the runners. I’ve really enjoyed cheering on both the girls and boys teams during meets and encouraging my teammates during practice. I know as the season goes on, we will all improve and have a lot of fun together.”

The boys cross country team has qualified for states two years in a row and are confident they will place again. Davis noted, “The team’s main focus this year is the state gold.  Since day one of summer training, that is what we have been working towards. Everything we do as a team is for states. However, no matter how we finish November 2, I will still be proud of the team and the work that went in.  I know that everyone will give 110%, and there’s nothing more one can do than that.”

IHS congratulates the cross country team on their overwhelming success in the past and wishes them the best of luck as they continue throughout the season.

[Photo by Emma Norman]

Photo Caption: “Senior Kendall Branan finishes his first 5k of the season.”