Perseverance through suffering is the definition of a cross country race. The cross country teams have achieved unprecedented success this season in this physically demanding sport. Senior leadership, freshman contributors, and surprise stars have made both the boys and girls cross country teams state-contenders.
The boys team began their season with a runner-up finish at the West Shore Conference Preview, while the girls dominated their competition to win their Preview meet. The following Saturday, each team won the Avon Lake Invitational at Lorain County Community College. This was the first time in more than six years that both the boys and girls won the same meet.
“It was a ridiculous accomplishment. [Junior] Tommy Eldridge was the key to our success with his blazing speed,” senior captain Kevin Huryn said. Eldridge led the Pirates with a fourth place finish and was followed closely by sophomore rookie runner Eric Stoddard. Other runners who helped lead the Pirates to victory included senior captain Sam Swartz, and juniors Martin Russ and Kenny Bazydlo.
However, it was another runner on the team who surprised spectators. Senior Coilin Richards, a former soccer player, joined the team for the first time the week of their first meet. Despite missing three weeks of training, Richards finished third on the team and has become a key contributor for the Pirates.
“I had no idea how good I would be, but I’ve always liked to run, and I wanted the challenge so I tried it out,” Richards said. While he did not participate in any summer training, Richards used other methods to get in shape.
“Soccer helped prepare me for cross country as did biking and swimming. The races are really rough, but it feels great when you finish,” Richards added.
The girls were led by junior Brittney Towner’s runner-up finish. Towner missed the entire 2007 season recovering from a torn ACL, but has rebounded to become the team’s top runner and one of the area’s best. Towner has finished in the top 15 overall in each of her first five races.
“It felt great to win the meet because we work hard every day at practice, and it was awesome to see our efforts pay off,” Towner said. Towner also acknowledged how important her coach has been to her success.
“Recovering from my injury last year was challenging, but my coach Mrs. Brabant ran with me during my rehab. I really appreciated all the support she gave me,” Towner said.
Each team has high expectations for the post season, and according to Huryn, the boys will be satisfied with nothing less than an appearance at the state meet.
“We are going to win conference, dominate districts, destroy regionals, and make a run at the state title,” Huryn said.
The girls are looking for their fourth appearance at the state meet in the last five years. However, the team is not looking too far ahead.
“Right now we are focused on going head to head with Avon and beating them at the conference championship meet,” senior captain Jenna Berg said. Berg stressed the importance of concentrating on step toward state.
“Hopefully we can go all the way to state, but we are not taking anything for granted,” Berg said.