As they run through the school year, the girls cross country team is spending time together in and out of practice, getting to know each other and their new head coach, Patrick O’Brian, better.
O’Brian is a boys track and field sprint coach during the spring. Before and during summer break, O’Brian was trying to convince many new girls to join cross country because he thinks cross country is truly a sport for everyone. No matter one’s experience or natural ability, anyone can run cross country, according to O’Brian.
“Whether you’re the number 1 runner or number 101, your work ethic will determine how much you improve,” O’Brian said. “What’s been most rewarding is seeing our freshmen look up to our seniors with so much respect. That culture is priceless.”
With O’Brian coming in and taking over after Brian Miller stepped down as head coach, he still had a huge impact on the girls teaching them how to preserve and trust themselves in not just running, but their day-to-day life, and O’Brian knew he’d have big shoes to fill.
O’Brian also mentioned that while coaching the girls, he has noticed they bring an incredible amount of grit and determination, which makes it more special for him as a coach. One of these girls is senior Leila Fowler, who has been on the cross country team since her freshman year.
When it comes to running, there is always something athletes can do to improve. Fowler has seen a lot of improvement in her running career here at Warren.
“I've noticed my improvements in all of my runs,” Fowler said. “I've gotten a lot stronger and confident in myself, which has helped me exponentially while running because it's allowed me to trust myself and my fitness.”
Cross country isn’t just about running, though. Bonding with teammates is also a very crucial part of all sports. The girls cross country team has done many activities to get to know each other and new players better. The girls held a senior bonfire night where they all painted canvases to decorate their lockers, making s’mores while the seniors gave speeches filled with advice for upcoming runners and talking about their love for the sport.
Overall, cross country is more than just running. It allows the girls to create strong bonds while also doing something they love, and O’Brian hopes to continue that culture as the new leader of the team.