A team composed mostly of underclassmen in a sport where consistency and discipline is so important sounds like a recipe for disaster. But thanks to a strong sense of brotherhood, respect and accountability, the cross country team has been making consistent progress, setting themselves up for a bright, freshmen-led future. Varsity cross country coach Ryan Hershner says it all starts months before the runners line up for the first time.
“This year we had a better showing in summer attendance, and there’s a direct translation in our sport of just being present at practice and reaping the rewards of it,” Hershner said.
Hershner attributes this better attendance to a strong sense of camaraderie and underclassmen leadership on the team.
“We have a good community. They’re not just friends because they run cross country,” Hershner said. “They actually hang out with each other outside of school. That helps with the team chemistry and helps them put the team first by being able to run for each other.”
Sophomore Lawson Boutrous feels the same way.
“We are our own group. We hang out a lot outside of practice,” Boutrous said. “Last Saturday, after we ran, we did a community service project with each other. We do a lot of things as a team. where, especially if it’s optional, it just increases our bonds because we’re choosing, especially in the summer, to wake up at 6 A.M. and go to school just to run. Seeing that you’re not the only one that’s doing that is special.”
The team is half freshmen and a third sophomores. He says the fact that the team is so young puts him in an interesting position of leadership.
“It’s really unique having so many young people,” Boutrous said. “We only have one scorer that’s an upperclassman. It’s definitely a cool experience. As a sophomore. I’m technically an upper classman in terms of the team.” Boutrous said.
Both Boutrous and Hershner see a bright future ahead for the program.
“The fact that we were so young gives us so much potential,” Boutrous said. “It really increases our confidence in the team.”
Hershner was especially excited about the potential that this team’s younger guys hold.
“This is one of the best freshman classes I’ve seen during my time here,” Hershner said. “They’re committed.”
Having a team built on genuine friendship and mutual respect for each other lays the foundation for success, especially when that is able to be successfully led by the underclassmen of the team.
