This season has been one for the books. From having a total of two runners last year to five this year. The team is growing and improving. From breaking personal records to multiple first place finishes. Although cross country is more of an individual sport, there is still a lot of encouragement from the runners on the team. It is important to keep a positive attitude while running, especially in order to make it to the finish line. 

At the home meet against Laurel and Ellwood City on Sept. 20, Couch took first place with a time of 17:18. In addition, Alexis Morgan and Hannah Shaffer both ran well in this meet. On Sept. 24, the team participated in the Hershey Invitation. Everyone ran a good race. At the away meet against Neshannock and Riverside on Sept. 27, Couch took first place and finished with a time of 17:51. On Oct. 1, Morgan set a new personal record in the Grove City Invitational. 

Each course is so different. As a result, it can create a difference in finishing times, especially if you are not prepared. Before each run, runners participate in a walk through which gives the runners the opportunity to see the course before they run it. Some courses have a lot more scenery and go through the woods while others consist of running around a school. 

“So far this season my favorite course to run would be at Settlers Cabin Park, because of the scenery,” sophomore Jordan Delon said. 

At the meet against New Brighton on Oct. 4, James Couch broke the New Brighton course record. This is a huge accomplishment for Couch and the team. Not only did Couch win the race, but he also moved up in the state and region rankings. The record was 18:10 and Couch finished with a time of 16:53. This course was very difficult, consisting of multiple hills and single track trails. At the Youthtowne Invitational held on Oct. 8, Couch dropped his personal record from 17:03 to 16:38. 

At the MAC tournament on Wed Oct. 12, Couch placed 9th overall. Delon set a new personal record along with Shaffer. In order to find out whether Couch will make it to states, he must place top 25 at the WPIAL meet, which will be held on Oct. 27 at the California University of Pennsylvania. If Couch makes it to states he will get to compete in the PIAA Cross Country Championship in Hershey Pennsylvania held on Nov. 5. 

Even though the season is not completely over yet, the season’s end is quickly approaching. This year the team has put in a ton of hard work and showed so much improvement. By setting new personal records and trying something new, these runners have shown an incredible amount of determination and dedication to the team.