All it takes for cross country is a pair of running shoes and a good attitude. An alarm clock would probably help too.  

Like all sports, the unique dynamic of a team usually falls somewhere between both competitive and nurturing. Although it may seem rather cliche, the team structure is the result of late-night spaghetti dinners with the team, or perhaps the water-spraying and megaphone style encouragement that cross country provides. However, unlike other athletics, where points are dependent on placing, times are instead added for the overall team. This system of tallying points not only makes it unique, but also an encouraging notion, as most individuals may feel daunted or put off at the idea of competing in meets with over 100 people. This means that whichever team has the lowest overall time wins the competition, so you don’t have to finish first for your time to contribute to the team’s overall success. “Everybody is invested in their teammates’ improvement — the athletes are not only invested in their success, but also the success of other teams,” explains freshman Chloe Horbatsch.  

As the name suggests, cross country goes beyond just the regular track and field as runners are often exposed to a wide array of elements. Whether it be heat, humidity, or light, athletes frequently face conditions that are typically unencountered by other sports 

Senior Sofia Galvan recalled a time during the season where the team faced off not only against the other competitors, but with mother nature herself. “It was 102 degrees outside, and while nobody else wanted to be outside in the sun, the entire distance team stood on the side of the course, cheering every last one of our runners on,” said Galvan. 

These runners hit a very prominent point that is often overlooked when talking about distance running. It is a fact that cheering on your teammates is not only encouraged but is the social norm. This supportive culture is seen in things like saying “good job” to your competition as they finish their race, not only showing that you are a good sport, but also to show your admiration for your fellow human beings. Congratulating someone on completing a difficult physical task is the very essence of sportsmanship. 

Galvan also reflected on the unique differences between track and cross-country, mentioning how the size difference plays a role in the social dynamics of both teams. “Track is a much bigger group, so you don’t get to know everyone that well, but the distance kids are pretty tight knit,” says Galvan. Every person that has participated in some sport has undoubtedly experienced failure at some point, yet it is the reaction from oneself and from the surrounding team that sets endeavors apart.  

The sportsmanship aspect of the team cannot be mentioned without giving credit to the incredibly inspiring coaches. Coach Stephen Wright supports the positive team culture with dinners — a tradition as old as time — that consist of a team member hosting the team at their house and feeding a pre-race meal consisting of spaghetti, and sometimes brownies, the night before each meet. Coach Martinez, a figure of Lamar athletics for decades, ties the team to the students who came before. Both of these incredible mentors are there before the sun rises to support the team.  

Their hard work and determination are thoroughly rewarded through the humble but well-earned brag of being the four-time reigning district champions for the varsity girls’ team. This team has also seen many runners off to higher education on partial or full running scholarships, such as former team captain Stacey Guerro was welcomed to the Texas Southern University cross country team this past fall.  

Everybody has their own reasons for joining a sports team, such as competition, community, or health, and at the crossroads of these aspects it is cross country. It’s the sport that exhibits all the best qualities of physical and mental excellence, all while bringing together many different people from many different backgrounds.  

it anim id est laborum.