The AHS boys cross-country team is making sure they work hard this season and hoping to make best of the season to come. “Our goal is to work hard as a team and compete at the highest level at every meet, but also have fun and enjoy running as a lifestyle not just a sport,” boys cross country coach Ivy Roe said.

Not only are they planning to work harder than the previous season, each individual has created a goal for this season alone. “I plan on doing this by working hard every day and not slacking off to achieve my goal of beating 17 minutes at districts,” junior Youssef El-Bourki said.

Improvements are key in helping the boys come closer to their goals this season. Sophomore Natnal Endalkachew feels he has to improve his time and plans to achieve this goal by working hard during every practice. All the boys plan to give a 100% during their practices in order to get closer obtaining their goal.

Coach Roe’s view is that teamwork and consistency of training will have every athlete having a positive attitude which will make cross country as enjoyable as can be. New cross country runners like freshman Cam Foti are excited for the season to come and have already achieved one of the goals they set by giving a 100% effort at practices. “I am proudest of my time at Monroe Parker meet,” Foti said. “I beat my goal time by two minutes.”

The team never lets a negative mindset come forth when preparing for a meet. “During a race I am always mentally prepared and always tell myself I can beat the person in front of me,” El- Bourki said. Having such a positive mindset helps the members strive to get their goals.

The most recent races of the season were at the PR Invitational on August 27 and at the Oatlands Invitational on Sept. 19. Mahiteme Tigabu placed 15th at the PR Invitational and he, as well as his brother Dagim Tigabu, placed 19th and 13th. The first quad meet had the team taking the top three spots with Mahiteme Tigabu, Risky Alvarado and Dagim Tigabu as well as Tyler Westfall and freshman Abbey Yared placing in the top 10, “The team as a whole is very strong and has the best pre-race chant in the area!” coach Roe said.

The meets they’ve had so far have left members of the team excited about the season to come. Conference gives the chance for athletes to compete hard and move on to Regionals and possibly State.

Boys cross country is excited for all the meets to come and cannot wait to accomplish all their goals with hard work. Come support the cross country team today at Occoquan Park at 5 p.m.