What goes on all through September, requires great endurance, and is lots of fun? You guessed it-cross country. Cross country is a sport that's similar to track, only you run 2-3 miles across rugged terrain, instead of competing in different events such as the 100 meter dash or shot put. Here at OLHMS, cross country is coached by Mr. Jurinek and Mr. Fisher. All grades here at the middle school are eligible to participate in it. These athletes have real dedication. They practice Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30. They sometimes meet on Friday. I know that I for one could never do that! They compete with a bunch of schools such as the Liberty Patriots, Century Wildcats, Orland, Conrady Jaguars, Palos South Cardinals, Evergreen Panthers, Grissom Patriots, Jerling Jay Hawks, Prairie View Eagles, Simmons Knights, and Tinley Central Twisters.

In cross country, there are four regular meets and a conference meet. The conference meet includes all the schools mentioned above. In the conference meet, there are four races, a girl and a boy conference and open race. In the conference race, seven kids from each school compete for the best time. At the end, we add up the places of our students. The lowest score wins. For example, let's say OLHMS students came in 1, 2, 3, 27, 50, and 100th place. That would equal 191 points. But, if Orland had 180 points, we'd place second because we had more points.

"Cross country is fun, but hard because you have to run two miles for practice and meets," said Adam Fritz who came in 63rd at a Orland Jr. High meet.

Brianna La Papa, who ran two miles and came in 29th place in 17 minutes at Turtle Head Creek, said, "I think Cross country is fun and a good exercise. It improves adrenaline and can be very challenging."

"I love coaching especially seeing the kids outside of the classroom, and competition is always fun," said Mr. Jurinek, one of the coaches of the cross-country team. When I interviewed Mr. Fisher, he said, "Cross country and track are my favorite sports at this level to coach because everybody makes the team- there are no cuts." I also found out that since cross country is such a fast season, most kids don't get a chance to get their physicals in on time. Cross country is only in the month of September.

There are many challenges cross country members face, like running up hills and around ponds, lakes, rivers, and trees. Our Mustangs are made of tough stuff, and they will trample down the competition!