JV Cross Country is one of the most overlooked sports, but it doesn’t change the fact that the team has some of the hardest workers you’ll meet. Most of the students who participate in JV Cross Country come straight out of middle school and are immediately faced with a new level of intensity. The transition from middle school to high school is challenging enough without the added pressure of high school sports, so how do these athletes handle it?
As Jimmy Ortiz shared with us, “High school sports hold a lot of expectations, and I was intimidated at first. My teammates, Coach McGreal, and Coach McCarthy were a huge help in making me feel part of the team and getting settled.” Anthony Sorto says that “the transition has been crazy” but cross country has been “an amazing experience.” Their words highlight why support systems for young athletes are incredibly important. Brett Keehan says that his teammates have been “a big help” in his transition to high school. These JV runners aren’t just participating either, they’re playing to win.
Throughout the season, these freshmen earned their spots on the team through impressive racing. Brett Keehan ran an 18:18 5k, Jimmy Ortiz ran an 11:20 two mile, and Anthony Sorto ran a 22:14 5k. These times are great for freshmen and were earned through their blood, sweat, and tears. Brett Keehan, when asked how it felt to see his progress, said that “it really makes me want to keep running”. These performances were only possible because of their supportive teammates and coaches.
Nothing prepares you for the transition into your last stage of childhood—even less as a student athlete. Whether it was their 40 mile a week practice schedule, or the introduction of college level classes their first season was a narrow road that they had to brave with no fanfare. But through it all, their support system was vital. With the backing of their coaches, peers, and the Woodbridge community, they can race well under pressure and prove their worth in a new environment, in XC and school. Without this support, their seasons might have been very different.
It’s hard to be a Cross Country runner, even harder when you receive little praise for your efforts. These athletes, their teammates, and their coaches are truly the only people that know how impressive their racing has been, but now its time for that to change. All sports varsity or not deserve their flowers, and these athletes have more than earned it.
