The WMS cross-country team will prepare for the upcoming season that starts in the spring.
For the upcoming cross-country season this April, Coach Olvesen gave interested students tips to practice and prepare for running. Olvesen said to begin training in November so you have plenty of time to build up your endurance. The goal by April is to be able to run two miles comfortably. Focus on stretching, and make sure you don’t overwork yourself.
Want to try out for cross country? Good news; you don’t have to. Olvesen said “ Everybody makes it, no tryout. If you’re interested, running is hard enough.” You’re on the team as long as you put in the effort to run a mile and a half every day.
Every team has expectations, so what are the expectations for cross country? “Basically staying out of trouble” is one of them. Being nice to teachers and not breaking rules are important parts of being on a team, and so are grades. Olvesen says having a good academic standing is important. It is important to know how to balance school work and your academic work, and if your grades are low, you will not be able to play on sports teams.
Hannah Amusa said, “Before a meet, I drink only a little bit of water and don’t stress myself.” Staying hydrated is important, but drinking or eating right before a cross-country meet can cause pain or cramps. Hydrate the week before the meets and eat plenty of fruit a few days before running.
Mia Pisipia said her favorite part of cross-country “was probably the team because it was fun and I made new friends”. Pisapia recommends cross-country because “it was fun”. Though the long distance was hard, she enjoyed running with her friends.
