Drills. Warm-ups. That morning haze and chill breeze. Crisp air. Leaves crunching underfoot. “Set, go.”

These are what make a Saturday morning cross country meet in the fall.

For some, this was their first time running high school cross country. For others, it was their last. Seniors were honored at WCCHS’ Senior “Night” on Sept. 13, with breakfast for the runners and their families at Kress Creek Farm.

Before the senior festivities began, medals were awarded from tenth place up to first. Girls from Wheaton Academy took home first place overall, while boys from Glenbard East won for the Rams.

“Seniors, thank you for your service,” Head Coach Yassine Yakoub said. “Doesn’t matter if it is first year or second year or fourth year. Thank you for your service. For the last six months to four years, you guys been great. We wish you all the best and success, but we still got a few months together, so let’s enjoy, have fun, and create memories.”

Seniors remembered the alumni before them who inspired them to keep running. Cross country flows into indoor and outdoor track – running, sprinting, jumping, and throwing – everyone is part of the same family.

“What I didn’t know freshman year was that I would be coming into a great family where I would meet some of my closest friends,” senior Trisha Marszalek said.

Seniors were recognized for their dedication and consistency, qualities essential in distance running.

“Just for all the younger ones, younger athletes, just something to aspire to—not knowing that you could be a distance runner—you just got to put the work in,” girls’ cross country coach Cassie Anderson said.