The first cross country meet is just around the corner and players are preparing to show off their agility and endurance to the fierce competition. Cross country is a difficult sport that requires a passion like no other if you want to get ahead of the competition. Training can be hard and strenuous at times, but players Kenton Moats (12) and Alan Fleming (11) have both been practicing extremely hard for their first meet even though Moats will not be running. “Well first and foremost, the whole team has been showing up at 6:30 in the morning every single day, even on Saturdays, to work and get better every day,” Moats said. Not only does Moats' dedication show in his words, but his coach, Coach Kuhl, can defend not just Moats' commitment, but also his entire team’s hard work. Coach Kuhl has been working closely with the players and making sure they show their very best at every practice. “I feel good about their readiness to run. They have made steady gains in practice, but it is early in their training,” Kuhl said. In addition to being a committed and strong player to the cross country team, Moats is also a great leader and peer to his teammates. Moats is always at practice in a good mood and encourages others to try their absolute hardest. His great attitude and positivity is why coach Kuhl calls him the leader. “Senior Kenton Moats has been our leader so far in practice setting the pace and setting a positive tone at practice,” Kuhl said. But Moats isn’t the only player who is hardworking, Fleming has also been an exceptional player to the team and has conditioned just as hard as his teammates. Just like his teammates, he’s been preparing right along with them, waking up early and always trying his undeniable hardest. Flemings is undoubtedly almost completely prepared for his first meet. “I could always get better, I’d say right now I'm pretty well prepared. I would say I can increase that though as we start to get closer to the meet,” Flemings said. Cross country is not just about a first meet or competition, it is also about accomplishing personal goals and milestones you have for yourself, whether it's something simple like beating your personal best or much more challenging like making it to state competition. Everyone has goals that they wish to accomplish and Fleming's is no different. “My goal is to run a 5k in under 20 minutes and be a valuable asset on the cross country team and someone who can support this team,” Fleming said. As the cross country players prepare and look forward to their first meet, their hours of hard work, early mornings of training, and teammate’s leadership and encouragement will all help them on their first meet and any future goals the players have. The competition will be hard, however, with the amount they have practiced, they will be no match for the competition. By: Santiago Vega