The cross country team looks to imitate the success of last year’s team. Coach Orlando Hairston and the team are looking to have great results from both the girls and the boys teams. They are ready to show people that the team is no joke and is ready to compete.

   “We expect to run well each week, be competitive,and also continue the district streak of eight straight titles on the boys side, and reclaim district on the girls side that was lost the past two years,” Hairston said.

   The team is trying new things such as a number of sprinters on the team, there is also senior leadership and experience on both teams.

   “The senior leadership and experience is very helpful when it comes to helping out new runners when they join the team,” boys captain Luis Hernandez said.

   With his eight years of coaching experience on campus all his athletes are well conditioned throughout the season.

   ”Our runners run 40 miles a week and are very determined to have a successful season,” Hairston said

   Being determined allows the runners to have a competitive edge when they run their 5K races.

   Cross country takes a lot of dedication. While football is the big sport in most high schools Coach Hairston thinks differently.

   ”The sport gets overlooked, people don’t understand how rigorous it is, and only see running as a punishment,” Hairston said

   By the end of the season Coach Hairston wants to have good runners as well as role models in the races, district and the classroom.

   “I expect my runners to always strive for greatness,” Hairston said.