The last time CSHS had a cross country team was 2002. This year, cross country has returned, led by head coach Connie Bauer. The cross country team has eight members: seniors Jack Hartman and Cheyanne Tull, junior Boston Watts, sophomore Levi Mies, and freshmen Trent Haines, Bethany Hollis, Isaiah Rivera, and Sydney Zoglmann. The races in a cross country meet are usually a 5k which is 3.1 miles, and they occasionally run a 2-mile race.

“[I requested to bring back this program because] I wanted there to be more options for students,” Bauer said.

Most of the athletes said they were excited for the upcoming sport. 

“I’m excited to see how far I can push myself to go,” Rivera said. “Near the end of track season, Mrs. Bauer said I should try cross country because I would be good at it.” 

Bauer said she was pleased with the effort of the runners so far.

“[I am ready for the season because] the athletes put in the work over the summer and they are putting in the work now to be great,” Bauer said.

Hartman also runs track.

“I’ve never really been good at sports, but running is always something I’ve been good at,” he said. “It gives me another sport that is as simple as running.”

The team had the first meet of the season at Clearwater Sept. 1.