Hard work marks Start of ‘O4 CrossCountry season

Thom Hale Staff Reporter

Although cross-country isnot the most celebratedofactivities atMillard South, itisbecoming apopular option for athletes. The races in this sport range from 2.5 miles to3.1 miles long, andcoverseveraltypesofterrain,such asgolfcourses and parks. Itrequires a lotofstamina and commitment, butit isarewarding sport.

The cross-country team has afun and welcoming atmosphere.

“Tt’s a smaller group, so it’s very friendly,” senior Scott Marshall said. “There's a strong sense of camaradeTi ie MSophomoreChadBealrunsthrough Bel So0e oh ne Gees Walnut Grove Park where the team currently running for the boy’s cross Gaon practices. country team, but other grade levels photo by Thom Hale have strong runners involved as well.

Currently,thetoptworunners,Todd Gulizia and Ellina Pisetsky, are both ee eee time-trial, and then a workout based

“Everything in apractice isindi-

328 SSUES ETL Ee vidualized,” Rainbolt said. ing rapidly.

“We're gettingbiggerandbigger,”

Coach Scot Rainbolt said. “It’s avery socialsport.” Everyone who enjoysrunning long distances isinvited tojoin.

“Tencourageotherstorun,”senior Brandon Essler says.

The practicesconsistofatwo-mile

- Lots ofrunning iskey inpreparationforcompetition. The team workedhard tolower theirtimesforthefirst meet onSept.4th,which wassponsored by Burke High. Support at future events is welcome and attending is a good opportunity to see what the Patriots cah doin acompetition.’