Photo Credit: Ms. Haber

By Aiden Mendoza

Staff Writer

Hammond High School’s cross country (XC) team is ready to do their best and be the best. Along with XC Coach McManuels, they’re focusing on these main goals: getting better, working hard, and having fun as a team. The coach wants everyone to push themselves but also enjoy the season and help each other. With both new and experienced runners, the team has a diverse and mixed group of people. The two fastest runners, Trevor and Ayo are the team’s leaders, however, the whole team is working hard to improve and catch up to them.

Team Goals and Hard Areas

The Coach says the big goals for the team are to keep improving, work hard, and stay positive. Cross country isn’t just about running fast but also getting stronger and learning how to push through tough moments with a strong mentality. XC isn’t easy. Many runners say the hardest part is staying focused and strong in their heads during races.

Eve, a senior on the girls’ varsity team, says the mental part of running is the hardest for her. “The hardest part is staying strong in my head and not giving up during races,” she says. Kalel, who has only been doing cross country for a little over a month, also says the “mental part and running up big hills is really hard.” For Jill, who’s in her first season, the hardest thing is not giving up, even when it feels super hard.

Even though it’s tough, everyone on the team is working hard to keep going. They know running isn’t just about how fast you are but how well you can stay focused and not quit when it gets hard.

The Fastest Runners: Trevor and Ayo

When it comes to the fastest runners on the team, Trevor and Ayo are the best. They’re not just fast but also dedicated and hard workers. The coach says, “Trevor and Ayo have the best times, but we’ve got a lot of runners who show great effort, not just by how fast they are but by how hard they work.”

Eve, who’s been running since freshman year, agrees. “Trevor and Ayo are the best on the team. They show us what’s possible if you really try your best.” Their fast times and dedication help push the whole team to do better, and they set a good example for everyone else as Ayo is one of the team captains. 

Kalel, who’s still new to cross country, also looks up to Trevor and Ayo. He sees how hard they work and knows that if he wants to get better, he can learn a lot from them.

Personal Goals and Team Progress

Each runner has their own goals this season. Eve wants to “keep pushing herself in practice and meets,” while Jill’s goal is to “keep moving, even when it feels impossible.” 

Kalel is still figuring out his goals, but he knows he wants to improve. He thinks getting better shoes, stretching more, and eating right will help him race and build more endurance.

Conclusion

As the season continues, the Hammond High School’s XC team will keep getting hard challenges, both mentally and physically. With the Coach pushing everyone and making sure they do their best, the team is working hard to get better and work together. Everyone on the team is working toward their own goals for the season, but they’re also supporting one another, which makes them stronger as a team.