In the humid morning after a long run in cross country  at the Early Tiger Invitaton 2k race at Tahlequah High School  Jessica Hembree, freshman finished first in the 2k race in 7 minutes and 34 seconds. She has been running since third grade and she like to run. She drinks a lot of water and she gets some rest before the big race. What motivates her to play her hardest is the feeling of running and it makes her strive to do her best. Hembree said, “I was very glad and astonished to see what I have done.” She wants her team to be remembered as a very good team. She thinks the most intense part of running is the long distance running, because it takes a lot of endurance. Jessica is very anxious to see what happens at her next meet.

            Diana Garcia, sophomore finished 28^th in the race and she has been running since 7^th grade and she loves to run to other places and see the new landscapes. Before a big run, she thinks a lot and tries to motivate herself. The most motivating thing that helps her is to see the other competitors so close to the finish line and she passes them and trying not to let other people pass her. God is her good luck charm and helps her get through her long distance races. She wants the team to be the team with the most cooperation. She also loves the meets and meeting all the competitors. “I make a lot of new friends and I enjoy making long lasting friends.” Garcia said. She also loves Cross Country the way it is.

            Rusty Fowler, senior finished 6^th in the race and has been running since third grade. Running helps him stay in shape and he eats and warms up before a big race. Coach proctor motivates him to play his hardest. His workouts vary to strength building all the way to endurance. He wants this years team to win state and he the most intense part of the race would be the middle of the race because it is physically challenging. Fowler said, “My favorite part about cross country would hanging out with my team and they all have great personalities.” He thinks this will be a good year.

            Ara Poteete, freshman finished 37^th in the race and this is his first year running. He believes cross-country is a big character builder. He prays and drinks a lot of water before a big race. Coach Spears motivates him to do his best and Poteete said, “My good luck charm is my hair. I am not going to cut it until the end of all the meets.” He would like for his team to be remembered by being undersized and yet the best. He believes the most intense part about cross-country is being mentally strong with all the physical challenges. If he could change anything, it would be the weather because sometimes it is very humid and hot.

            Coach Proctor says it is his fourth year coaching and he loves running with the athletes. He tries to motivate his team by team huddles, team talks, and occasional dinners. He is very proud of his team and said they work very hard everyday and always give 110%. Proctor said, “Jessica Hembree rain a very smart race and it was a big thing for our team.” Coach Proctor would love to go to state and if he could change, anything about cross-country would be the weather.