By Randee Schmitt

The Mighty Maverick cross country team started their season off strong, performing well at their second race on Sept. 7. The overall positive feelings from the team illustrates their enthusiasm for the rest of the season.

“I felt like I did better than before,” junior Ethan Glatz said. “It’s nice feeling like you do better each week.”

Senior David Castro believes that a lot of preparation goes into each race, admitting that cross country “is just as much a mental sport as it is a physical one.” It’s no surprise that the athletes train so hard and practice so often.

“I always make sure I eat a really good breakfast and drink tons of water before a meet,” junior Jessica Pacheco said. “I stretch too. And sleep. I get plenty of sleep.”

Although the season has only just begun, the team collectively has high hopes and shares the want to improve together as the season progresses.

“I feel like everyone is already improving,” Glatz said. “It’s a crazy thing to see.”

Despite varying personal goals, such as Glatz’s want to “beat my time, every time” and Pacheco’s goal of becoming a better runner, one thing remains clear: these athletes have a strong passion for what they do.

“This is my first year in cross country,” Castro said. “I feel like I’ve done very well for myself. I wanted to better my health and physical fitness and running cross country is one hell of a way to do it.”

At 4 pm on Saturday, the team runs again at their third meet. Show some school spirit and support awesome athletes as they push themselves to their limits.