Boys varsity cross country began their season with a meet at the Monroe Parker Invitational. Nineteen teams, including AHS, ran the 2.98 mile course at Burke Lake Park.
The Atoms had high hopes for the meet and believed they were well prepared following a summer of intense training. For the majority of the summer, the team ran an average of 50 miles a week to increase endurance and to get in shape.
In late August, the team began interval running and workouts to improve overall speed and leg strength.
“This summer our coach has really pushed us to become better runners and our goal is to go to states for the first time in 30 years and be 3-peat district champs.” Varsity runner Leoule Yared said.
However, accomplishing these goals will not come easy for the Atoms. Although Annandale has dominated the varsity Gunston District for the past two years, the competition between West Potomac and Annandale in the fight for the division championship will be high.
Of the five Gunston District teams that participated in the invitational, Annandale finished second and West Potomac finished first. Overall, the Atoms placed 11th of the 19 teams competing.
After the RVA relay meet on Sept. 21, the Atoms have meets for five weeks straight, including one of the season’s most important meets in Carisle, Pennslvania.
The District championship takes place on Oct. 24, giving the Atoms plenty of time to train and improve before their test against West Potomac for the division title.
The Atoms varsity runners are confident for this season, but need to remain focused and work hard.