As the cross-country season comes to an end, I interviewed the team’s top seniors, who didn’t disappoint on the course this year. Cross-country isn’t just about running; it’s about teamwork, determination, and camaraderie. Many runners started the sport for fun, but it quickly became something much more meaningful. “I first joined cross country because my friends were doing it, and I thought it was worth a try,” said Caroline Wettstein. “I grew to love it and stuck with it. I enjoy pushing myself and reaching my goals. The team and coaches also made it a lot more enjoyable.” Running long distances can be tough, but motivation from teammates keeps everyone going. Sophie Hinthorne shared, “On hard days when I don’t feel like running or racing, I think about my team. I don’t want to let them down, and I want us to be the best we can.” Every runner has a favorite workout. For Alyie Roth, it’s doing 400-meter repeats. “I like doing them because they are short and go by fast. We usually run them at our 3-mile race pace, so they feel pretty good since we’re used to that speed. Before big races, staying calm and focused is key. Sophie said she listens to music and prays before racing. “I talk to God and give the race to him,” she stated.
Cross country isn’t always easy. Injuries can be a big challenge for runners. “It’s a demanding sport for your body,” Myli Erhardt explained. “When injuries happen, we work with coaches to adjust our training and keep our fitness up while recovering.” Even with challenges, senior Drew Cooper has enjoyed the friendships he’s made. “I try to focus on running and school, and being in those environments brings friends,” he said. One of his favorite memories is from a meet called Detweiler at Dark. “We ended up driving around Peoria, stopping at gas stations at midnight,” he laughed. Drew and his teammates always support each other. “During races we try to stay together and work with one another, but if you’re not racing, you run around the course to cheer as much as you can,” he said. Through all of the miles, sweat, and challenges, the cross-country team shows what true dedication looks like. They prove that running isn’t just about finishing the race, it’s about growing stronger together.
The Titan cross country team concludes its season tomorrow at the state meet in Peoria. The girls team advanced by winning their sectional for the first time in school history. Kiley Knapp and Caroline Wettstein finished 16th and 17th, respectively. The boys advanced by placing third. Drew Cooper and Weston Hodel finished 8th and 11th, respectively. Best of luck to our Titan runners!
