Boys Cross Country Bolts to Bronze

The track team has its sight set on the state championships.

Photo Credit: Continental Studios

By JESSICA ABRAJAN

The boys cross country team placed third at the Borough Championships in Van Cortlandt Park on Saturday, October 26. The first and second place winners were Brooklyn Tech and Millennium High School. 

The boys are now preparing for City Championships, where they will run up against both teams again. However, their rivals are actually what motivate them to become better.

“Becoming the best version of ourselves right now is a priority,” said Kumar Wise ’21, a team member. 

Sebastian John ’21, another runner, said, “Sometimes you feel like giving up but then remember the bigger prize ahead of you.”

In a sport like this, injuries are common. John has been struggling with injuries since the beginning of sophomore year. He enrolled on the team as a freshman but started sophomore year on crutches and had to go to physical therapy for a while. 

“I didn’t plan on coming back, I really didn’t,” John said. “I only kept going because my team didn’t give up on me and knew I had potential.” 

John realized that he had to keep going, and now track has become a big part of his life. 

“Although track can be overwhelming, it definitely brings out a better side of myself,” John said. “The best side.”

Track involves a lot of time and dedication. Sometimes players get overwhelmed trying to balance school and track along with everyday activities and responsibilities. 

The cross country team practices Monday-Thursday from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m. They also meet on Saturdays and are expected to run in their free time, even on the days where they do not meet. 

Track has helped many of the boys whip into shape mentally. Many of them scramble to do their homework before track practice and get it out of the way. 

“Track is the only sport where you can take three days off and become a mere image of yourself,” Wise said. 

Track can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. Teamwork ensures no one falls back. 

“Running together is easier than running alone,” John said. 

Their goal right now is to make it to state championships. This will require a lot of physical and mental strength. 

“Running is about being consistent,” Wise said. The boys must stay on top of what they consume and how they take care of themselves, trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay in shape as well. 

“I used to eat a lot of fast food, but when I joined the team again, I knew I had to stop,” John said. “It was hard at first, but it’s definitely gotten easier to know better.”

“Hard work definitely pays off,” Wise said. “Track has taught us all to keep going no matter what.”