The Cross Country team is off to one of its strongest seasons yet, with senior runners showing major improvement both individually and as a team. For many of the upperclassmen, this year marks the culmination of four years of hard work and dedication.                                                                                                                           

Senior Heebra Rehman said this is her best season so far.

“This is my fourth year doing cross country,” Rehman said. “It’s very relaxing, and running clears my mind.”

Rehman rated her performance an eight out of ten, crediting her progress to extra training over the summer.

“I did club cross country this summer and double practices,” Rehman said. “My times are much faster compared to other years because I’ve been pushing myself and my limits.”

The hard work has paid off for the team as well.

“Teamwise, we have been doing really well,” Rehman said. “We even got first place at a meet against Dayton High School and have been beating our top competitor, Cy Ranch.”

She added that the most recent meet was a highlight. 

“My last meet was good because it secured my spot at districts,” Rehman said. 

While some courses have been “hilly and muddy,” she said the challenge keeps things interesting. Even with frequent Friday absences for meets, Rehman said she mostly enjoys missing out on school. 

“It’s a lot, but I like spending time with my team, we always go out to eat,” Rehman said.

Senior Jaime Nava shared similar enthusiasm for the season.

“Yes, I’m part of the cross country team this year,” Nava said. “It’s been a big part of my school experience, a mix of early mornings, long runs, and a lot of great memories.”

Nava said he’s proud of the work he is putting in this season.

“I’ve stayed consistent throughout the season,” Nava said. “There’s always room to improve, but I’m proud of the progress I’ve made and how I’ve handled tougher races.”

Compared to previous years, Nava said he feels more experienced and mentally prepared.

“It’s less about surviving the race now and more about competing,” Nava said.

He praised the team’s chemistry and drive. 

“Everyone’s been really supportive, and we’ve built a strong bond,” Nava said. “Practices are great for us, we push each other to get better.”

Nava noted that the meets and courses vary in difficulty. 

“Some meets went really well, great weather, solid results, and others were tougher because of conditions,” Nava said. “Some courses are flat and fast, others are super hilly or muddy, so you really have to adjust your strategy.”

Despite the challenge of missing classes for meets, Nava said the experience is worth it. “It’s nice getting out of class for a bit, but it can be stressful catching up on work later,” Nava said. 

“Still, the meets make it worth it, traveling with the team and competing is one of the best parts of the season.”

As districts approach, both seniors agree that the season has been one of growth, teamwork, and perseverance. With strong finishes and tight team spirit, the cross country squad continues to run toward success.