In a season dominated by football and basketball, less popular sports like cross country are often overlooked. However, there are many reasons for students to sign up for this neglected sport, particularly since the team is short on runners.

Ross Laird, the cross country coach and father of junior Tyler, said that there are many benefits to joining cross country.

“First of all, it supports the school,” Ross said. “Secondly, cross country is different from almost every other sport in that there is an individual aspect as well as a team aspect. If you can do this, you can do anything in life. It’s a mental challenge to run long distance, more than a physical challenge. It benefits you in a lot of different ways.”

Ryan King, ’15, agreed with Laird and said he appreciates the simplicity of running cross country.

“It does help you get in shape for other sports,” King said. “It’s a great sport because there aren’t many rules to it, just running and keeping your pace. You can become much more physically fit by running.”

According to Daniel Moore, ’14, team camaraderie is essential for running cross country.

“I love the team aspect of running long distance,” Moore said. “The difficulty of the sport brings the team together, so we have all sorts of inside jokes. We actually have a lot of fun at practice, even though the workouts are not always pleasant.

Team captain Tyler acknowledged the importance of more people joining.

“We will need five people to compete as a team, and we only have three people,” Tyler said. “It would be nice if more people joined. Cross country is an awesome sport, and a good way to get in shape for other sports.”

The first meet will be at Woodward Park, Sept. 5.

For more information call Ross Laird at (559) 940-0487 or the athletic office at (559) 299-1695 ext. 123.

For more sports, read the Sept. 7 article, Six-year athlete hopes for college career.