Cross country is a sport dedicated to running at a fast pace for a long time. The key to the sport – like many others – is consistency and a good mindset. A runner’s mind gives out first, rather than the body. These Wildcat runners worked hard all season for their final race. Heading into the event, they had two goals: achieve their place in competition and race hard.

The early bird gets the worm, as they say.  The girls’ cross country team headed onto the course as early as 8:30 a.m. knowing they would not begin racing until 10:00 a.m. Not everyone who attended would race, but those who were not slated on the roster showed up to cheer and support their teammates in the tough race ahead.

At the line up, West Chicago faced off against 11 other schools, totaling 83 young components who also worked hard for the regional race. With a tough start, seniors Dayra Araujo and Jessica Balmer worked together to get a good place in line-ups. Given the difference in sprinting the beginning 400 meters, it was without doubt that the opposing teams also worked extremely hard to face off the Wildcats.

Senior Sophia Garcia made solid headway as the race got underway, but maintained a steady pace so as not to fatigue too early.

“I got out fast and I constantly felt like I was passing people and slowing moving up in the race,” Garcia said.

In the face of many other racers, rocks, hills, and cement, Jessica Balmer had no fear and ran ahead with the goal to do her best and pass the racers ahead with nothing but a smile.

“I was just thinking that if I smile, maybe it’ll be less painful. Sometimes smiling makes you feel better when you’re running, which in turn, helps you go faster,” Jessica Balmer said.

There are many tactics when it comes to racing: one requires keeping close behind the runner ahead to tire them out too soon, allowing the rear competitor to pass and move on.

While some Varsity runners had been mentally prepared for regionals, others were not, given the lack of experience. Freshman Rachel Balmer ran for Varsity with a leg injury caused by a previous meet.

“While I was running, It took an ample amount of mental strength to push through to finish the race. But I did it for my team, I couldn’t bear the thought of letting them down and not completing the race, so I pushed through,” Rachel Balmer said.

Running is hard work, but once pushing past the limits, a runner can do anything.

Jessica Balmer placed 19th with a time of 18:50:38, making it to upcoming sectionals.

Through the final meters, a runner feels their breath getting shorter; their legs seem to tighten,  and the cold contradicts the burning sensation they feel throughout. To others, the last sprint may seem slow, but when one is running, time  never stops.

For some, regional’s were an eye-opening experience that allowed them to test their limits and set goals for the coming year. 

“I really hope to make it to sectionals next year as I keep pushing through track and summer. But my biggest motivation is that I have been in cross country since fifth grade. So why stop now when I can keep going,” junior runner Cecilia Ayala said.

Regional’s being one of the final meets, the girls honored their seniors: this season was their last.

“[Regionals] was definitely a highlight for me, seeing all the support and love from my teammates and coaches… I am beyond grateful for all of my teammates who made this an unforgettable season,” Jessica Balmer said.

As in any sport, friendships and connections form. The Varsity team grouped together for a final picture to end a good race.

Up next was the Varsity boys’ big race. They prepped each other with motivational speeches after completing their ritual warm up, ensuring everyone had a strong mindset for the big race.

Once the pistol was shot, the Wildcats began getting in a good line-up – until a track attendee called out a false start. Allegedly, a runner was stabbed by another runner’s spike, causing the race – and nerves – to restart.

“I told my teammates to not worry about it, everything that happens is supposed to happen and that we got it,” senior and captain Romeo Alfaro said.

Once again, the boys started running, getting as ahead as best they could. The previous call off had the potential to mess up one of the athletes because it disrupted all of the runners’ rhythm and spent their extra energy.

The course involved about three hills with patches of rocks and leaves. The course required three laps around, starting and ending from the middle of the field. Minor things like bumps, and slants in a course do greatly impact athletes when running, especially in a competitive race.

While many racers come up with certain mindsets to have while running, there are always the runners who just wish the heart-racing ride will get itself over with.

“How soon is this gonna be over?” Zachariah Williamson said of his thoughts at the time. “But it was a fun experience, and I’m glad I could finish the season on a high note.”

Getting ahead in the middle of a race can be difficult, but not impossible. In order to advance, one must be able to get comfortable with being uncomfortable and be willing to use drive and goals to push to the limit.

At the finish line, senior runner Judah McLean sprinted the remaining 200 meters, obtaining a final time of 15:03:67, and placing 7th.

Some may argue that the hardest part of a race is the final mile because out of all the hard work put into the first two, the last one has got to be all one’s strength.

Junior Daniel Duran is a first year Varsity cross country runner who already exceeded his drive and training to regionals. Duran placed 60 out of 83 with a time of 16:51:13, just demonstrating how difficult this race was and how racers come out to win.

The team headed back home, celebrating their two athletes, McLean and Jessica Balmer, who made it to Sectionals.

“I always tell them to enjoy their races and have fun, especially if they work hard to improve themselves. Don’t compare yourself to people faster than you, it must be you versus you, and most importantly, compete,” Coach Yassine Yakhoub said.

The soon-to-be-closing season of cross country ended in a team bonding connection, where all runners – Varsity or Junior Varsity, supported each other to exceed their limits. High hopes were expressed for next year, and many cheers and support rang out for McLean and Jessica Balmer. 

“One of the greatest things about cross country is hard work will take you a long way. With dedication you will improve and can discover your potential as a runner. Anyone can join cross country [and] everyone can improve as a runner,” Coach Cassandra Anderson said.