Cross Country is a great sport that can help you increase stamina, endurance, and can improve your academic performance. “Cross Country surrounds me with other good students.” said Alex Kreamer, who is a junior here at Annandale High. “It is also a fun way for people to hang out and study together before and after practice.” said Junior Alex Kreamer. 

‘’I think that being physically healthy is important for academics because it helps you feel energized and studious.” 

The season is nearing its end after it had started during the summertime in August. The runners now have added running to their daily routines and have since seen improvement in their physical health. 

Senior Jakob McElveen said, “I run just about everyday, even on weekends. It is part of my routine and I have to stay in shape for my meets.”

The team has all seen improvement and many of the runners set new personal records at each race. 

Senior Will Peck who has been on the team has seen tremendous improvement throughout his four years running for the atoms. 

“Each race I look to improve my past times, and I certainly have over the course of four years. I really got a feel for the sport, meaning a routine which the consistency has allowed me to become a much stronger runner.” Said Peck. 

The team overall looks to its leaders which have set astonishing goals for the newcomers of the team. 

McElveen, who joined the team his sophomore year, really improved and made himself stand out to the coaches. 

When asked about how he works to sustain this title as a team leader he said, “I always make sure to stay in shape. I sign myself up for marathons, or even grab a friend and go for long runs. At times I run up to 19 miles just for fun and to stay in shape.” 

Overall the team has seen great improvement and it even translates into their school education. They look forward to ending the year strong and the leaders of the team plan to hand over the baton to the newer runners who show their leadership abilities during practice.