Cross Country is an amazing sport that most people can get into if they have what it takes mentally. Cross Country meets can take place at either Mason District, Burke Lake Park, South Run Park, or others. “It’s a really fun group of people to be around and a very positive environment where everyone is focused on self improvement and uplifting their teammates while they are running and in general” said William Peck, a senior here who has been running Cross Country all 4 years of his high school career. “I enjoy cross country very much, and I have had a great 4 year journey, but the only thing that could have made my 4 years slightly better, would have been having the same coach all 4 years. I have had to adjust every single year because most if not all coaches look at the sport from a different point of view.” Many students of all grades, like senior William Peck, participate in Cross country because it is their passion and primary sport. Lots of others, one being junior Alex Kreamer, participate in Cross country and other track related sports to work on their stamina for other sports. “I love cross country, but I use it as more of a tool to work on my stamina for the sport that I am more focused on, basketball.” Cross Country is a great sport, whether you’re running because you love to do it, running to improve performance in another sport, running to improve your cardiovascular endurance/health, or for a completely different reason. I encourage all Annandale students to get involved in sports, whether it’s Cross Country or a different sport, it will make your 4 years here much more memorable and interesting. “I don’t remember who my teachers were or the grades I had but I remember scoring a touchdown against Falls Church” said Coach Scott in his 9th grade PE class. If you plan on playing a sport, Cross Country is good, because it takes stamina and not skill. Cross Country is a great way to make new friends and meet new people, junior Alex Kreamer says “I’ve met many of my friends through cross country, there are lots of friendly, intelligent, and fun people, and I can’t wait to continue my journey next season.”