It is beginning to feel a lot more like fall this time of year, as the Javelina men and women’s cross-country teams began practicing early Thursday morning.
With new protocols in place, the majority of the men and women feel this season will be a very challenging one to say the least. New athletes were introduced to the intense training and were welcomed on their first day with unpleasant weather.
Melonie Thomas, a Seguin native, is a new addition to this year’s women’s cross-country team and feels enthusiastic about her freshman season.
“The first day of practice was good, the weather was a little rough but it made the four miles interesting,” Thomas said. “I feel like this season we will have a very successful team. All of the girls are around the same pace with mileage, which is good in regards to scoring.”
Larissa Sanchez-Gonzalez, a returning cross-country standout, also feels this season will bring success within the program.
“I am still uncomfortable with the idea of having a season this year,” Sanchez-Gonzalez said. “Although I do feel that we have some really awesome recruits this season who will help our team climb up the leaderboard. As a senior this year I can only hope this will be an unforgettable season, if it hasn’t been already.”
Both women feel motivated to achieve their team goals.
Jake Trevino, a returning sophomore this season, explains the challenges this season will bring and how it will impact the season entirely.
“I am excited to get back into the swing of things,” Trevino said. “But the bonding and cohesion of our team this season may not seem as strong as past years. There were so many rules to follow at our first day of practice, you can only imagine how the rest of this season will play out.”
While several cross-country athletes long for the days of normal conditioning and ideal team bonding, adjusting to this new lifestyle is difficult. As for this year, Javelina cross country has made its official return.