Cross Country is a sport that takes a lot of dedication and determination. The kids who run Cross Country learn how to persevere through anything that gets in their way. They do not get enough recognition for the work that they put in constantly. One way they try to promote their sport is through the Spirit Run on Homecoming Friday.
The kids started at the high school and went over to Armstrong. They ran through the hallways of the school and all of the kids lined the halls to cheer them on. When the kids were running the smiles on their faces lit up the room. They were so excited to be able to run through the halls and the kids at the school were so happy to high five them as they ran by. The kids continued to run to each school and the kids were so excited to see them run by. They finished this event by running into the pep assembly at the high school and handing the ball over to the football captains. 
Recently over homecoming weekend Jack Lillywhite, 12, was our county champion. At the Greater Flint CC Championship Jack took first place with a new personal record of 15:50.98, and earned first team all county. The last time someone won this race from Kearsley was in 1991. When Jack was asked how it felt to win the race and PR he said, ¨It felt really good to execute my plan how I wanted to. I was also excited when I found out I was the first person from Kearsley to win since 1991.¨
Ethan Sellers, 12, and Cole Fernandez, 11, also earned second team all county. All of the guys had a great race with most of them getting a personal record. Cole Fernandez finally broke the 17 minute barrier and when asked how he felt he said, ¨I finally got my confidence back! Breaking the 17 minute barrier was an incredible achievement and experience. I wish I could share it with my friend Alex Lillywhite.¨
Not only are the guys having a great season, but the cross country girls are putting in work every day! Freshman, Sofia Sporman, has been working her way to the top of every race, gaining a new personal record of 21:23.76 at the Greater Flint Race. She earned herself a medal at Shepherd Invitational for the top 40 runners! “Cross Country is going very well, I love achieving new times and feeling the reward after a race. ” Senior and foreign exchange student, Adela Vokurkova, is experiencing her very first season of cross country. Having been a triathlete back at home in the Czech Republic, Adela says; “I really like the people in Cross Country, they are always nice and supportive. I love going to practice so I can hangout with them. Cross Country by itself is fun, but it is very difficult to do because I just started. This is a great experience for my exchange year.”
Overall, the cross country season has been going very well. This sport is very rewarding and the people make it very fun. There are always people cheering for every runner and even the people who run against us have great sportsmanship. Everyone is always trying to improve their time, and everyone supports each other. Cross Country is such an amazing sport that does not get much recognition, these athletes work very hard and they have a smile on their face when working for their goals.
