Countless practices after school, meets that last for hours, and comparisons race time: This is the life of a cross country athlete. Most sports teams turn and run when they are faced with trouble, but with cross country, running is what the sport is all about.

The boys cross country team is currently ranked seventh in the state and 13 nationally with schools that have an enrollment of under 600 students, according to boys cross country coach Steve Allison.

“As a team, we want to place as well as we can at the state meet,” senior captain Jake Chapman said. “Top five in the state is a very reasonable goal, due to the talent we have on this team.

“Also, we want to win a sixth straight conference title and win the regional title. I have full confidence in my team that we will be able to accomplish all these goals,” Chapman added.

The boys team has won three meets, including the GLAC Jamboree #1, the Jackson Invitational D3/D4 and the Stockbridge Invitational.  

Coach Steve Allison expressed his pride for what his runners have accomplished the 2016 season.

“I really enjoy coaching cross country because I get to to see the growth in all of my athletes,” Allison said. “It is just as satisfying watching a slower runner gain confidence and accomplish something they never thought they could as seeing a gifted runner win an important race. Cross country is hard work, and it takes a long time to realize your goals, but when you do, it is extremely rewarding.”

“Regionals went really well,” Chapman said. “We ran a close race against Lansing Catholic but they ended up edging us by 15 points.We all ran really well, especially Jack, he stepped up when he needed to and it really helped us as a team.”

The girls cross country team is currently placed third in the GLAC league.

“With this being my first year coaching cross country, I feel like I have found a sport that encourages and includes everyone,” girls cross country coach Jeff Trapp said. “The sport not only brings out the competitiveness with others, but also with themselves as athletes. They have to push to their limits.  I am proud of all of the hard work that the ladies have put in so far, and I am excited to see what the future brings.”

The girls team is striving to improve at every meet. “I feel that this season has been a really good change for the girls cross country program,” senior captain Julia Olson said. “We have a lot of new, talented runners that I believe will help the program grow in the next few years. I also believe that Mr. Trapp help bring in a fresh new perspective for the sport. I worked really hard throughout the summer, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to have the state meet be my last high school career race. I wish I had a young girl running beside me, but I know that the girls will do some great things in the years to come.”

The girls team has earned third place at every league meet and sixth at regionals. Julia Olson and Rachel Owen received 1st Team All Conference at the league meet. Shawnacee Dillay received Honorable Mention.

“The girls cross country team is doing very well this season. We’ve been improving tremendously each meet,” junior Jade Heaviland said. “I like cross country because I really enjoy running, and I love my team so much. We’re like a big family and we all have such a strong bond. As a team, we hope to keep improving as runners. I’m really excited to see how the rest of the season turns out. My personal goals for the season is to continue to PR and get a first medal at a meet.”