Just when you think zero-hour is tiresome enough, the Millard North cross country team is already halfway through their morning practice, training along nearby sidewalks, testing their endurance, and timing their runs. Before most students are awake, these dedicated runners are chasing the sunrise as they exemplify endurance on yet another long run.
Through grueling meets, early morning practices, and potential injuries along the way, the cross country team has persevered, making strides in their consistency and outcomes.
Just recently, the boys’ team won the district championship, and the girls’ and boys’ teams both qualified for the state competition in the same year—the first time since 2006.
The excitement from this success was cohesive across the team, as they had been hoping for a triumph this year. Many members of the group believe that their team culture and hard work have been major factors leading them to victory.
“I was unsurprised that we made it to state. The team we have right now is the strongest team Millard North has ever had. It still meant so much to me to make it all the way with the team. My freshman and sophomore years, the team came close both times but fell short. I felt proud that we made it, and we made it with style, taking the district champ plaque home,” senior Marc Louthan said.
Aside from this, some members of the team have accomplished individual feats, breaking both school and personal records.
“Our boys’ team has broken the school record for the lowest team time thrice this season alone. We have also won 2 meets. Some of my greatest races this year included 8th at the UNK invite, 10th at Metros, and 2nd at districts, where I ran the district meet school record. Based on best marks, I was 8th on the team last year, and this year I am 1st on the team. I would say it is going really well,” junior Caleb Thome said.
The team not only consists of dedicated runners, but also highly skilled coaches. The coaches Emily Janda, Brian Yueill, and Sarah Wright have displayed their love for running through their experienced coaching. In fact, Coach Janda won Boys’ Metro Coach of the Year this season.
“I wanted to be a cross-country coach because I have loved running my whole life, and I want to pass on some of that knowledge and hopefully a love for running,” Yueill said.
The group culture and persistence during practices have proved to be beneficial in a variety of aspects for the boys’ team.
While sharing the mileage, they are able to encourage push eachother, and many treasure every moment they spend running together.
“My experience as a distance runner at Millard North has been a treat since day one. Some days are better than others, but at the end of the day, I love running with my boys. Marc Louthan often reminds me that the opportunity to compete against other teams with my friends, to this degree, is something that I will only have for a fraction of my life. I’m excited for our distance squad this track season,” Thome said.
Good sportsmanship is one of the most important things about competing against one another. Creating friendships along the way has proven to be a highlight of this activity.
“The community in XC is unlike any other sport. This year, I especially love the pack running during workouts and races. When we have a strong group in the front, we are able to hold each other accountable to reach our potential. I also love that I can make friends with any athlete from any school. The common goal of beating the course and your previous best is enough connection to be good chums with the boys I compete against in mid-race.” Louthan said.
On Friday, Oct. 24, the team ventured to the state competition and ended up placing sixth overall. Thome placed 15th in the state individually.
“The records were not our focus, but a side effect of our discipline and effort. The records we made this year will be broken next year if the team stays on the current trajectory and each runner stays hungry. There is more to come for Millard North Boys XC: highest team state placement, lowest team time, and lowest team score,” Louthan said.
The MN cross country team has made powerful strides in the field regarding what they have accomplished just this year. The sense of community and belonging involved in this activity has been uplifting, and has allowed the team to run and chase after their dreams.