Park cross country hosted the first ever annuel bowling party at Park Tavern Friday Sept. 30. Assistant cross country coach Jill Johnson said that the event serves as a good way to increase bonding for the team.

“The team bonding activities boost the runners morale, because it’s an opportunity for people to do something different,” said Johnson. “Not just be running, but have a fun time together and connect the group with each other.”

According to junior Vincent Cormier, the team has done multiple other team bonding activities, and he wishes the team could continue to do more activities further into the winter.

 “We did a camp this summer and it was a really great time. Maybe if we went further into the winter, we could do an ice skating rink but I don’t think that’s going to happen,” Cormier said.

According to Johnson, the bonding activities have increased the feeling of being a team compared to previous years.

“I’ve heard from a couple of the seniors that the feeling of community and cohesiveness of the team has increased over the past five, six years, they’ve been on the team — the most that it’s ever been before. So when they were in seventh grade, eighth grade, they enjoyed being part of the team, but it didn’t feel as cohesive as it does now. It’s really cool to see all team members, JV, varsity cheering for each other,” Johnson said.

According to Junior Tommy Walsh, he doesn’t think that the party will help his performance, but it’s fun to do.

“I don’t think it’s gonna change my time but it’s gonna make me have more fun when I’m racing, practicing and (winning) with my team,” Walsh said.

According to Cormier, doing these activities helped him learn more about his teammates and build connections with them.

“It’s a great time and I’ve gotten to know people way better than I have by just running with them at practice,” Cormier said.

Johnson said she thinks the parties are an amazing way to make connections within the team.

“To see kids bonding with each other in different grades — not just like middle schoolers here, high schoolers here — it’s like everybody is in this together as one, which is something we really look for,” said Johnson. “Obviously, we want people to run fast races, but this is an opportunity for kids to gather in a safe space, have a fun time and feel part of that community.”

The next cross country race is 4 p.m. Oct 12. at Mankato.