For the past three years in a row, Lamar has been the district champions in cross country. Recently, the team won their fourth district championship in a row.

“I hope our team will make it to state and that we keep defending our title and that our underclassmen runners will continue to grow in skill,” senior Maggie Donovan said.

It is truly admirable how hard the cross country team works and how dedicated they are to their goals no matter how overwhelming it may seem.

“It looks pretty difficult at first but once you get into it,  it gets more manageable but you just have to have discipline to be able to keep going and the drive to keep wanting to do better,” sophomore Solomon Radix said.

In retrospect, cross country is often looked at as a sport that is difficult to do because of the amount of running required, but you just need to push yourself. 

“If you’re going do this sport, you definitely need the patience and motivation to be able to run no matter how many miles it is because it never gets easier,” junior Stacy Gurreo said. “As long as you have that motivation, it’ll be easy.” 

Teamwork and communication make a collaborative team. The cross country team knows they wouldn’t be where they are today without the help of their coach. 

“Coach House truly works extremely hard to be able to let us have the best cross country season possible and she really cares for each and every one of us,” junior Alil Akbar said.

Regan House coached the cross country team to reach its full potential and form great memories throughout the process. As a result, the cross country team was able to reach its full potential.

“I want people to see a team who always puts their best foot forward and a team who always builds community and support no matter how fast or slow you run,” House said. “Sportsmanship and hard work is what I want this team to be known for.” 

The cross-country program has also experienced significant growth, with over 30 girls and 10 boys now taking part in the program which represents the highest number of participants it has seen in a long time.

“This team bonding experience is something that is truly refreshing because it truly puts everyone in a good mood and sets everyone up for success in the future,” junior Austin Tran said.

Overall, this team is all about working hard and working together. It’s about showing good sportsmanship and fairness towards one another and that is what the team prides themselves on.

“In all my four years of running for this team, I would say the growth in size really helps motivate us and keeps us pushing forward when we run meets,” senior Taylor Lafitte said. “I hope that will continue in upcoming years because that’s what makes our team so special.”