As he strikes his starting stance, cross-country runner Frank Daniel shows determination on his face. With a three-mile run ahead of him, he must overcome burning muscles, aching joints and lungs screaming for air, if he is to succeed.

What motivates Daniel to persevere through pain is the environment created by the team, which he says encourages him to perform better at meets. He expresses pride in the uniqueness of his sport and in its team aspect.

“Cross-country is an interesting sport,” Daniel said. “Most people think cross-country is all horrible running, and I tell them they are right. But you have other people with you who are equally suffering. So you’re all suffering together, and it’s almost fun in a weird, sadistic sort of way.”

Nearly four years ago, Daniel’s brother, Doug, ’10 alumnus, who also participated in cross-country, influenced him to try the sport. Ever since his brother’s prodding, Daniel has continued running with the team.

This season, Daniel says he has drawn inspiration from teammates who encounter obstacles but choose to press on.

“The team has been putting in a lot of effort,” Daniel said. “As of this year, our girls’ team has been a real encouragement because most of them are injured, yet they push through the pain and still run their best.?

Although running may seem straightforward, Daniel says there are some intricate aspects to it.

“There are two types of running: speed and stamina,” Daniel said. “Stamina helps you go the distance, and speed helps you get there fast. It’s what cross-country is about. There is always room for improvement when it comes to these two aspects of running.?

Coach Ross Laird said he is impressed with Daniel’s leadership abilities and his aptitude to encourage teammates.

“Frank has really taken on a leadership role,” Laird said. “He’s the only senior on the team at this point, and that makes a big difference. Some of the freshmen may not think so, but it does make a big difference having him around. It takes away [from] me being the bad guy and it makes my job easier. He seems to find the right buttons to push to encourage others.”

Teammate Mark Bennett, ’14, has experienced Daniel’s enthusiasm and support during a race, he said.

“When everyone is cheering you on when you’re running a race, Frank is yelling something along the lines of this: Adjust your posture! Speed up! Slow down! Keep a steady pace! Relax your shoulders! Don’t stop running!”

Outside of school and cross-country, Daniel takes time to develop his unique sense of humor, which plays a part in his relationships with teammates and friends.

“I am a somewhat strange person,” Daniel said. “I am the kind of guy who takes a situation and turns it into a movie reference, or a joke of some sort. I have always looked up to comedians and tried to learn from them to improve my own humor.”

Daniel not only manages school and cross-country but also takes part in piano lessons and Boy Scouts activities.

“I am a member of a Boy Scout troop, and I also have been taking piano lessons for about 10 years,” Daniel said. “I take piano lessons because I joined when I was young, and I like to finish things that I start. It’s the same with Boy Scouts.”

Creating time for homework in his hectic schedule may seem like an overwhelming task, but Daniel finds no problem balancing it, he says.

“After I go to practice or a meet, I start on my homework,” Daniel said. “It really isn’t as bad as one would expect. People would think that it is hard, but once you get into a routine, you get everything done with time to spare.”

Daniel says he finds obvious parallels between cross-country, life and faith.

“I believe every aspect of cross-country could strengthen your faith,” Daniel said. “You are taught patience and perseverance when times get tough.”

For more sports profiles, read the Oct. 28 article, Consistent senior strengthens squad.

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