This upcoming season, boys cross country is looking to overcome any obstacles and keep their eyes on the state meet in November. The uphill battle towards it has already presented itself with major challenges like the week-long heat wave in late August, which disrupted their usual schedules and cut down on their running time. 

“Humidity has a big effect on distance runners,” head sophomore coach Joe Pontrelli said. “We as a veteran group of coaches have had to decrease our mileage so we can keep our runners safe during these humid conditions.” 

Running is all about the mental mindset athletes must keep and maintain to battle against the weather, Pontrelli said. That is what keeps these runners motivated no matter what the conditions. 

“It’s important to be ready for anything come race time, pushing in practice and staying hungry for results,” varsity runner Tate Pavelka ‘25 said. 

More important than self growth is team strength, reloading with new younger guys every year with the leadership of the upperclassman makes the team secure for the rest of the season, Pavelka said.

“We have a really good family within the team. We’re very good at helping each other out no matter what happens,” varsity runner John O’Halloran ‘25 said about the team’s chemistry.

The boys cross country community has remained strong for a numerous amount of years, with much of the credit going to their longtime head coach, Micheal Danner.

“Kids stay motivated when they understand that they are in an environment daily that can foster growth and see improved results. We are Midwest tough,” Danner said.

The boys have their eyes set for state and aim to return home with a trophy, O’Halloran said.

“State at the end of the year, that first second week in November, that’s what you’re kind of working towards the whole year,” he said. “My goal is to be top 25 in the state at the end of the season and be all conference, and I want the team to be top three. I want a trophy.”

Their next meet is Sept. 28, 8:45 a.m. at Culver Academy, and their next home meet is Oct. 26