Northern High School’s cross-country team has faced a major change this season as the former assistant coach, Samantha Cole, has taken on the role as head coach.
Caleb Graves said, “We kicked off the season strong with our first meet at the Seahawk Invitational at South River High School, and many of us set new personal records.” Despite it being a new season, the grit and passion has yet to dull in the hearts of these runners. Jaxon Jacobs said, “I was able to set a new PR at the first meet of 17:13.” The spirits of these runners are high for the remainder of the season and are hoping for more personal records to be set moving forward.
The adjustment of having a new coach isn’t easy, but the team is still managing to keep themselves bound together tightly. “It has been tricky getting used to a new coach, after having Dawson as our Coach for so long,” said Jacobs. Josh Dawson, the former Cross Country and Track and Field coach for Northern, has resigned after coaching for 16 years. Graves said, “It’s been a good change having a new coach who many of us are familiar with because she was an assistant coach in past years.” Having that sense of familiarity has made the adjustment a little less harsh when it comes to these players’ expectations for the season.
The runners are keeping their best foot forward and are excited to see what the rest of the season entails. Jacobs said, “I am looking forward to championship season races because our team has a shot at being SMAC, regional, and possibly state champions.” The ambition these runners have is what keeps their record-breaking habits frequent. “I am looking forward to how our team will perform this season and hopefully run away with a SMAC or regional title,” said Graves.
Regardless of the changes the team has faced, these runners’ eyes are still fixed on the prize- having yet another successful season and winning championship after championship.
