Cross country is an individually focused, team scored sport where athletes run a 5K, or 3.1 miles, across rugged terrain, often in the early morning. Athletes have to work physically and mentally to push the boundaries of the human body. Though the team is small and all at different levels they are getting stronger every race.

Sophomore Gavin Varando is looking to get his time under nineteen minutes, while freshman Skylar Sanders is pushing herself through her very first 5Ks. The team has faced many challenges this season from thunderstorms that cancel practices and races, to extreme Florida heat, a struggle for many, yet they are motivated to keep going. At a recent meet at Southwest Florida Christian Academy, the course was extremely muddy and the heat got intense as the morning progressed, but the Cypress Lake runners worked hard to achieve the best times they could. Although no personal records were broken, it was an important learning experience for all who participated.

The team has a wonderful dynamic; they spend a lot of time together and make sure to cheer everyone on. Sophomore Bobby Ellsworth reiterates this by saying, “My teammates push me to my limits.” They all speak positively about their experiences with the sport and are eager for more students to join the team.

Coach Hedges also has a positive outlook for the season and expresses her hopes to see all her runners succeed. One of her biggest struggles is getting them to push past mental blocks. “I have to teach them to believe they can do it,” Coach Hedges said. She is happy with the team and has enjoyed getting to know all of them, looking forward to seeing their future growth.