Most people don’t like running. Whether that be for a sport, a fitness routine, or even just to catch a bus. However these few that do enjoy running at Canterbury, ran for the Cross Country team this fall. Not only did they run though, they competed.
On Saturday, November 9th, the Boys and Girls Cross Country teams headed to White Park Memorial for the New England Championship Race. This was the event that the whole season was building up towards.
The girls team placed 7th out of 20 teams competing and who better to lead the way than the two Girls Cross Country captains.
Abby Omaña, ‘20, and Lorelai Lee Swanek, ‘21, placed 11th and 9th respectively out of 140 runners and became All New England Runners. And by no means was this easy.
Lorelia said that before her race she felt “excited and nervous” but overall prepared because of how much training she did not only the week leading up, but in the summer before the season.
Abby was also nervous but mentioned how the team huddle helped her push through.
“We have a little pow-wow before to say our final words before going through pain together,” she said while laughing, “There’s no one person that can win, whether that be a race or game, for the whole team. So having that culture and doing it for your teammates takes a little bit of the stress off.”
Abby continued to talk about the culture of the team and why she believes it will continue even after she graduates.
She said, “Especially with Lorelai since she loves it. It really comes from the love of the sport because anybody can give pep talks or host pasta parties, but if that person doesn’t actually love the sport and believe in what they’re saying then it’s going to show. Our love carried through everyone else and it showed on the line.”
Jack McCluskey, ‘20, the boys cross country captain, also spoke on the culture surrounding the team.
“It’s one of those things that’s going to build and build. It’s something that you can make happen year in and year out. It’ll change up the way kids see cross country,” said Jack, “This year, Jasper and I set a culture around it with the whole routine and I hope that kids can bring that back while having the same respect for coach and the sport.”
Jack by no means had a bad day as he placed 4th overall (which was six places higher from last year), was recognized as an All New England Runner, shaved off a minute and a half from last year’s New England race, and helped the boys secure 6th place in the race as a team. A very good way to finish off his Cross Country career at Canterbury.
It was a strong way to finish off the year for both teams and their runners overall. And as the season closes, the culture that these leaders put in place will hopefully continue on for years to come.
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