By Maddie Whitlock
What is cross country? It’s a sport where both teams and individuals compete in running races over outdoor courses. Interestingly, the sport has roots in the British “hare and hounds” games of the 1830s.
This year, West Prairie Jr/Sr High School is excited to announce the start of its own high school cross country team! Focused on teamwork, perseverance, and mental toughness, the team is building a culture where athletes push themselves and support one another. Cross country is more than a competition against other schools; it’s a personal challenge to improve with every race.
To get a runner’s perspective, I sat down with West Prairie athlete Ayden Lacey to talk about his life outside of running, his motivation, and what being part of this new team means to him.
“Runners may have other passions and interests outside of running, like other sports and activities,” Lacey shared. “My motivation is pushing to continue the athleticism in my family and trying my hardest to make my parents proud. But most of all, I have God with me to help push me too. Being a part of the team means I have to take a role in participating in the team’s growth by participating in team and community activities.”
With athletes like Lacey leading the way, West Prairie’s cross country team is off to an inspiring start.
The West Prairie Press 