Cross country runners train for, compete in new season

By Rhett Everhart, Eagle Eye reporter

As the autumn leaves change and start to fall, the ground begins to rumble as the members of the Tyrone cross country team train for and compete in another season, gathering more and more miles to put under their belt.
Of all the cross country Devon Wiser, senior, has been running cross country the longest out of all the other team members and Wiser is also leading the cross country team in meets with his amount of first place finishes. New to the boys team is Connor Stroud, freshman, Gared Dixon, freshman, William Sessamen, sophomore, Jackson Wisyanski, junior, and Matt Heckel, junior.

Returning from last year’s team are Rhett Everhart, sophomore, Bailey Christine, sophomore, Dustin Sprankle, sophomore, Luke McClosky, junior, Evan Patterson, senior, Tim Crabtree, senior, John Friday, senior. Grace McKernan, freshman, is a new addition to the cross country team, along with Raven Dodson, sophomore, who is joining the team from Bishop Guilfoyle. These two additions make a girls team of three members, with Alyssa Brisbin, junior, returning from last year. Since the cross country runners run 3.1 miles in their meets, they can become tired so the runners use different tactics to keep them motivated. Common motivation techniques used by distance runners are concentrating on music, focusing on the task ahead, wanting to take your mind off of things, and trying to stay ahead of the people chasing you.Wiser likes running cross country because it keeps him in really good shape and Wiser said, “I also like running because I’m a little crazy.” Wiser says he enjoys the practices because the team always has fun at practice. His favorite practices are the long-distance runs. The practices that the team runs usually go all over town. “You name it, we’ve been there!” Wiser said.

McKernan enjoys running cross country because it helps her relive stress and it has been proven that exercising for extended periods of time like running long distance helps relieve stress. McKernan likes the practices because she can train for the meets while having fun. McKernan likes the 5K (3.1 miles), but usually the practices range from 4-6 miles.

Both Wiser and McKernan would like the readers of this article to know that cross-country isn’t as hard as you would think and that it’s a great way to stay in shape and it makes you physically and mentally stronger and if you’re interested speak to the coach or show up for a practice.