It’s not hyperbole to say there’s been very few seasons in the history of Harrison’s cross-country team with higher hopes than this year.
Making the change to D2 has the team with their sights held high. How do I know this? Well, it’s cliche to say that running is life, but for me and my family, it is also true. As the top runner for the first 3 meets this season on the Harrison cross country team, I think that being D2 helps because all the big schools twice our size are out; we don’t have to compete against them, and that raises expectations. The goal is to make it to regionals as a team, and my goal is to make it to state myself. When I have these expectations as the team’s top runner for the season, it pushes everyone to aim higher.
Steve Barnes, head coach of the cross-country team (and world’s best dad), is also very optimistic for this season. When asked about the team’s prospects, he said, “I would like to see athletes improve throughout the year and would like to see the team qualify for regionals.”
James Kirby, the team captain and the top runner last season shares the same high expectations for the upcoming season, stating, “I am not running this season with a broken leg, but I feel like being D2 will help the team have more opportunity to do great. I feel like Harrison is a great school that deserves this. I think the team can make a run to regionals, and I believe that the 4th and 5th runners will have to step up.” It’s clear that everyone’s goal and expectation is regionals this year.
What makes the team so strong is the fact that they love to run, and more importantly, we love running together. I love running because it relieves stress and those 17 minutes in the race, I feel free and like myself, for me running is a fun and stress-free activity.
James Kirby also shared, “I love running because running clears my head. I love the results: the more you put into it the more you get out of it.” The runners on the team are truly passionate about the sport.
Coach Steve Barnes explained why he loves running and how he believes the team has a strong bond: “I loved track and cross country as an athlete at Harrison and at The Ohio State University, and I enjoy sharing what I learned as an athlete with the team now.” This passion is why Coach Barnes motivates his athletes and holds them to a higher standard. He added, “We have a special group of athletes that will push each other to be great.” According to him, the teams expectations are high because they push themselves everyday.
The athletes’ love of running is what first got them into the sport, for me especially. I started running because my dad did—he’s my hero. I’ve wanted to do it since I was five because of him. But this season is for my best friend James Kirby, who broke his leg and can’t run his senior year. Our whole team is close and supportive, and this shows as we run.
Coach Steve Barnes said “I enjoy running and helping athletes achieve their goals. I love training athletes for optimal results.” Everyone on the team has bought in to the sport, and that makes it easier for the team to reach their goals.
James Kirby added, “I got into running in the 3rd grade with the mile at Crosby. My parents ran marathons, and I tried cross country in 7th grade; and fell in love with it.” Though the Captain is out for the season, his belief in the team and love for the sport will help them go far.
The cross-country team has lofty, but achievable, goals. They love each other and the sport, and everyone is committed to reaching regionals this year. The expectations are high, but so is their potential.
