Already halfway through the season, Park’s cross country team tackled a hilly course at Gale Woods Oct. 1. With the weather cooling down and the leaves falling, this crisp afternoon proved to be a great start to the month for the boy’s team.
According to head coach Chris Nordstrom, the team went out and pushed themselves, despite the tough competition. He said he was proud of the team as a whole but also recognized the accomplishments of individual runners.
“It’s a really tough meet; 16 teams and a lot of high-ranking teams,” Nordstrom said. “Overall, the guys came and competed and left it on the course. There were definitely some PRs (personal records) and some things to work with the last couple weeks of the season.”
Senior captain Paxon Myers said he was proud of how his team performed, highlighting that many of his teammates neared their personal records.
“We had a big improvement from recent races; the past few, we haven’t done too good,” Myers said. “This race, most of us picked it up, did really good (and) got close to our PRs (personal records).”
According to Myers, it was the ideal day for a competition. He said it was a nice change in the weather from the past few days.
“The weather came down perfect for the day; it was like 80 (degrees) leading up to it but then dropped to 60 (degrees) for the day of the race,” Myers said. “It was beautiful, not windy. It was the perfect day for a race.”
Sophomore Joe Minnick said he was happy with his overall performance, especially when he was able to run hard up the hills. He said it can be difficult balancing two sports, but that he was proud of his race.
“Playing two sports is hard, so my legs were tired, but I paced myself well and got a decent time,” Minnick said. “I passed a lot of people on the hills, and while they were tired, I pushed myself.”
Nordstrom said the team was excited to compete since it had been a while since their last race. He said he noticed their anticipation as they were getting ready to line up at the start line.
“As a group, we were ready to compete. We hadn’t raced in a while, and a lot of kids, both JV and varsity, were itching to race,” Nordstrom said. “I could see that in just their preparation today.”
According to Minnick, Gale Woods was a great course to compete at. He said the hills were tough, but that the course was also speedy and fun to run.
“It’s a solid, fast course—it’s up and down. It’s not too flat and feels like a real cross country course,” Minnick said. “The bad thing (about Gale Woods) is that big hill, but after that it’s very good.”
According to Myers, he too hopes to find a faster pace and finish the race after giving everything he can in future races. Meyers said he was happy with his performance at Gale Woods, but said he and his teammates have more to give.
“I felt really good today, felt like I left way too much in the tank,” Myers said. “A lot of the boys also felt that—we just have to go out a little bit harder and stick to it.”
Nordstrom said the team is tight-knit and welcoming to everyone and anyone who wants to join. He said the sport is fun and has great benefits.
“We have one of the closest family-style teams in the school,” Nordstrom said. “Cross country is super rewarding, and anybody can come out and run.”
According to Minnick, the atmosphere of the team creates a positive environment around the sport. He said he appreciated the cheers and encouragement from his teammates.
“I saw everyone out cheering on the course and everyone was saying ‘good job’ and ‘good luck’ to me at the start line,” Minnick said. “It was a great team community at the race.”
Park boys’ next cross country race is next Wednesday, Oct. 9, at Benson Park, North Mankato.
