November 9, 2019
Junior Kelsey Johnson prepares to cross the finish line in the girls cross country time trials.
The Lancers girls cross country team has not gone to State since 2015. This season however, they’ve placed 3rd in both Districts and Sectionals, and are ready to vie for the chance to take 1st place.
In order to prepare for State, the girls have intensified their workouts. Junior Hope Ware has been running with the team for three years, and has noticed the change.
“We’ve had higher mileage per week,” Ware said. “We’ve also incorporated morning practice, like swimming and biking, for two or three days a week.”
The team has also watched videos on YouTube in order to visualize and mentally prepare for their runs.
“We know what we have to do, we just need to execute,” Ware said.
Ware has led the team in running throughout the season, placing in 11th at Districts and 13th in Sectionals. She attributes part of her success to the team dynamic.
“Our team leaders have really stepped up and lead the team in many positive ways,” Ware said. “We have really worked well together creating a positive team environment.”
New to the varsity team this year was freshman Elissa Barnard. In her postseason runs, Barnard placed 22nd in Districts, and 35th in Sectionals.
“This is one of my first years running cross country, so it’s been really cool to see what I can do. I especially want to help my team move forward.”
Also new to the team this year was freshman Grace Tyson. Tyson placed in 1st in both Districts and Sectionals, and she also leads in the fastest long course time for girls in the St. Louis area.
“It’s been really cool having Grace Tyson there, she’s great to run with,” Barnard said. “All of the juniors and seniors who run are amazing too. It’s really fun seeing how great they are and trying to live up to them is really cool.”
Barnard is hopeful that her team will find the missing ingredient to their success.
“We are going to have confidence in our team. We know we can do it, but we need to have confidence in both ourselves and our teammates.”
The Lady Lancers will race at 1:05 p.m. on Nov. 9.
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