Their hearts pound in their chests, sweat drips down their faces. Pumping their arms, they motivate themselves to finish the demanding, 5k race.

Only half a mile left.

Almost there.

Give it your all.

Banqu- banquet? Focus!

As eager the runners are to accomplish a personal record, the annual cross country banquet always finds a way to drift into their mind, even during a race. Despite the awards, jokes, and desserts that will be present at the banquet, what each runner looks forward to is spending time as a family.

“One of the best things about cross country is the banquet at the end,” senior team captain Alyssa Assaf said. “It’s a way where we can come together as a team and reflect on what a great season we had.”

With excitement in the air, the banquet allows the hardworking runners to recollect their best and favorite memories from the season.

“My favorite memory from this season was after our district meet. We all went to this place to eat, and while we were there, we played games like soccer, football, and volleyball. It was an all around fun day,” junior JV runner Daniel Martinez said.

Although there are plenty, heartwarming memories to dwell upon, what sticks out the most is what cross country means to these diligent runners.

“This sport is important to me because I have been able to learn and grow from the people I have met both on the girls and guys team,” sophomore Varsity runner Sarah Dao said. “I have gained so much knowledge about running and what it means to run with others who have the same passion as me.”

While each runner contains the same devotion and mindset for the sport, what really rouses the team is what happens at the banquet.

“At the banquet, we get to spend time as a family with our team,”  sophomore Varsity runner Sebastian Hyba said. “Also, it gives us an opportunity to say thank you and goodbye to the seniors.”

Despite the enthusiasm from a great season, the runners feel a sense of dejection, for their favorite seniors have to say goodbye.

“As a senior, I gave this season everything I had because I knew this would be my last year participating in this sport. It’s heartbreaking and difficult to say goodbye, but I’m happy to see what’s in stock for next year,” Alyssa said.

Although some tears will be shed at the banquet, the runners will focus on the good instead of the negative.

“Overall, I think we had a great season,” Daniel said. “Not only am I excited for the banquet, I’m excited to see what is more to come from our cross country team next year.”