With an admirable display of dedication, GlenOak Cross Country battled throughout this season to qualify for the state tournament. This is the first time since 2002 that both boys’ and girls’ teams have qualified to run together at the cross country state tournament.

On Nov. 2, at Fortress Obetz Sport Complex, the GlenOak’s Boys’ Cross Country team placed 19th and the GlenOak Girls’ Cross Country team placed 10th.

Both teams have dedicated themselves to training, which helped them to reach this level. The start of the journey to the state meet began this summer with training. 

“We have contributed to the team getting to this level by doing a complete overhaul of training beginning with summer training all the way to the end of the season,” coach Bryan Krosse said. 

The team began to do a regional start simulation; 350 meters up a hill that simulates the start of the regional race. It is important that the runners are able to start fast so they have a chance at the meet.

 “This season’s preparations started at the beginning of the summer by building a base for the rest of the season,”  sophomore Casey Harbour said.

The Eagles’ new training plan has improved both teams’ racing this season and contributed to their motivation throughout the season.

“I think my own personal goals have been important. Federal League competition has also been really important,” senior Ryan Bridenthal said, “When I’m in fields (the race) I don’t know as well like regionals, I know to look for someone from Jackson, Green and Perry to know if I’m in the right spot and if I need to move up.”

While some get motivation from competition, others get motivation from loved ones.

“My biggest motivation has been my brother Wes Marsden, he has helped me and pushed me so hard to be just like him,” freshman Kobi Marsden said. 

Marsden has faced challenges this season, but despite this she ran with high-quality competition. 

“Qualifying for the state meet is so amazing, but as a freshman and actually running in the race is so exciting. The most challenging thing for me was my iron deficiency and I always feel like my legs are heavy but with iron supplementation, I am back and ready for state,” Marsden said. 

While Marsden has had her problems this season, junior Canaan Sommers has also encountered troubles with illness. The important thing is how each runner battles with it. 

“The most challenging part was when I came down with a very bad virus one weekend and that set me back a few weeks. I overcame it by simply believing that I will return to my regular fitness and getting a lot of rest,” Sommers said. 

The team this year has dealt with illness effectively by doing the basic needs to be a runner as well as be as healthy as can be in order for quality races as well as more strength.

“The most challenging part of the season has been taking care of the stuff after practice. Such as going to bed earlier, eating quality food and quality hydration because it is important,” Harbour said. 

The GlenOak Cross Country team this year has been through many trials and tribulations and in spite of all of this,  they have had no one else to thank for a great season but their coaches.

“My biggest motivation throughout the season has been my coach Ferrell, if I am ever feeling down he will always say the right thing to lift up myself and the team’s spirits and he makes the team feel more like a family,” sophomore Marissa Kromi said.

Cross country now looks to the future in the off season.  Next with many returning runners the team hopes to repeat their success.