Sheila Carr

New year, new runners, new season but same goals. Thats right, the cross-country season is back! Senior team captain Keven Espinosa said he is excited to be running with the team for the final time as a high school student. 

“I am glad to be back with team,” Espinosa said. 

Along with the excitement, Espinosa has goals for his senior year.

“I want to make it to state alongside my teammates and run a sub-18,” he said.

A captain has responsibilities beyond their personal running goals, and Espinosa takes those responsibilities seriously. 

“I believe setting an example and going at a pace and making them keep up is pushing them to figure it out and set a game time pace for the rest of them,” he said. 

It has been a hot season so far, which can affect runners in various ways, some of which can be harmful. Junior Raimi Shadik said that “the heat is making it difficult because it takes more of your energy to run in intense weather.” 

Sophomore Diego Ibañez said he feels that he is growing as an athlete, and he’s also challenging his teammates to grow alongside him despite the summertime temperatures.

“The heat made it much harder to get out their work, but in a sport like cross country the weather is always a test,” Ibañez said. “Whether cold or warm it’s something you must push through.”

The JV cross country team will run again on Sat., Sept. 7 at the Westmoore Jamboree.