The Jaguars are back in black, ready to continue Northwest Cross Country’s tradition of excellence. This season is especially long since States is a week later than normal this year, but the runners are ready for whatever challenges that lie ahead. 
    Coming off wins from last year, the girl’s team in particular ranks as the top team in the County. “We won Counties and Regionals and were State-runners up last year,” recalled senior captain Alyssa Henshaw. She continued, “Our team is really great this year. None of our varsity runners from last year graduated and we also have some new runners that will definitely make an impact on the program and help us bring home the state title!” 
    The Jaguars have started their season off strong so far. First was the Peter Gerraghty Invitational held at Mount St. Mary’s. Even though some of the team’s top varsity runners opted to sit out this race in order to better prepare for the long season ahead of them, the rest of the team stepped up to the plate and placed fourth overall on the girls side. However, the next race, the Magruder Invitational, was a different story. With almost the complete varsity squad racing that day, the varsity girls placed first and the varsity boys placed fifth. The JV girls and boys also have some strong legs on them, placing first and third overall respectively. 
    But if you’re impressed with how NWXC races in invitationals that include 40 or so other teams, just look at how they did at their first dual meet. On Wednesday September 16th, Northwest had their one and only home meet against Sherwood. Many other fall sports teams stopped and cheered the runners on as the boys won 26 to 31 and the girls beat the Sherwood girls 15 to 50 – a perfect shutout. “It was cool how the other fall sports stopped and cheered for us when we were racing. It was really motivating and nice of them to support us,” Chris Senft, senior captain, commented. 
    If one thing is for certain, it is that the Northwest Cross Country program is top notch. Other schools consistently comment about how intimidating the Northwest runners are walking out to the races in all black with matching t-shirts sporting the annual slogan across the back. “We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival,” marks the team’s shirts this year. “I feel lucky to work with such a great team and kids who are independently motivated,” praises Coach Muehl. “I was excited for this season to start with all the great returners and new runners I knew we’d be getting. It’s going to be a great season ahead of us and I’m looking forward to all that is to come,” added Coach Muehl. 
    The NWXC program definitely means business and as senior captain Steven Obrzut says, “XC is like fighting a battle where you take no prisoners.” If you listen carefully enough, you can hear the whispers from other Cross Country teams say, “Watch out for the Northwest girls,” because they’re gunning for that state title.