Both the boys and girls cross country teams are preparing for their 2016-2017 season, which began on Aug. 27 with the Plano Independent School District (ISD) Cross Country Invitational. The team hopes that their dedication and sacrifice for the sport will pay off.

Boys head coach Sean Fairchild saw firsthand how this commitment can lead to success.

“These kids gave up part of their summer,” Fairchild said. “Even though most kids want the summer to sleep in, these kids are dedicated enough to get up early in the morning and sacrifice some sleep to get their miles in.”

Not only are the runners dedicated, they are highly responsible and proactive.

“The girls are my favorite part of coaching,” girls head coach Courtnie Allen said. “They’re great, and highly motivated. I’m privileged to have this group to work with.”

Both Allen and Fairchild credit this motivation for the success of their athletes.

“At this level, with cross country, if you don’t go along with the workouts, you won’t get better,” Fairchild said. “The athletes have to have that motivation within themselves to get better.”

Senior Bryanna Barnett, who came in 20th at last year’s University Scholastic League (UIL) District Championships for 6A girls credits her love of the sport for her success.

“To stay motivated, it starts with the the love of running,” Barnett said. “You’re not going to be successful if you don’t love it to some capacity. To motivate myself to the level I’m at now, I have to have a love for winning.”

In addition, teambuilding and booster-club sponsored activities, such as the Midnight Run outside of practice, help the team build character and form friendships.

“My favorite part of coaching cross country is probably the family atmosphere,” Fairchild said. “The upperclassmen are such great leaders and such great role models for the underclassmen. It’s great to watch the camaraderie work.”

Barnett says that running cross country has helped her find balance in her daily life.

“Running is really therapeutic,” Barnett said. “You learn a lot more about yourself as an individual because you have to become so in sync with your body, your needs, your personality… and what motivates you.”

Last year, both the girls and boys teams placed fourth at the District championships, and they are striving for a win this year. Yet, whatever the results, the coaches remain optimistic about the upcoming season.

“As a coach, I’m all about progress,” Fairchild said. “If we come in dead last at Districts, but all my athletes get better, that’s a good year. Winning is the icing on the cake.”