Cross country teams head to final race before conference
Photos courtesy of Lee Flames.
The Flames’ cross country teams will be running this weekend at the Royals Cross Country Challenge in Charlotte, North Carolina. Going into the last meet before conference, both teams are gearing up for the season ahead.
With a great start to the season, pre-conference races have allowed the teams to work and grow, according to assistant coach Joseph Crook.
“The teams have been doing fantastic so far this season. Both the men’s and women’s teams are very deep, which is essential for accountability and working together while competing,” said Crook. “Team culture is very healthy, which is key to having a successful year.”
The Flames competed their last meet in Nashville, TN, where the women’s team finished first and the men’s team finished third. The early success in pre-conference meets has the Flames excited for the weekend ahead.
“We are prepared for a very exciting meet,” said Crook. “The women’s team will be competing against teams who are all receiving votes in the national poll. The men’s team will also be competing against some talented Division II rivals.”
Casey Guthery of the men’s cross country team.
The runners themselves are also looking forward to this weekend with anticipation. Junior Casey Guthery reflected about the work that has gone into this season and what the team hopes to accomplish.
“This team has the best culture and chemistry of any team I have ever seen,” said Guthery. “We are much more consistent and stronger than ever. I expect that we will compete well and knock off some of the teams expected to beat us.”
Overall, the team is looking for improvement as they head into conference meets, which will begin following this weekend. The Flames are expecting to come into conference strong, keeping their mindset focused and team-oriented.
“We expect to attack the next several races with the same mindset we have had so far this year,” said Crook. “Focused, excited and most importantly as a team.”
Check here to follow the men’s and women’s cross country teams.
