The UC High Cross Country Team is kicking off the season with determination and perseverance for the miles ahead. With a mix of newcomers and veteran runners, the Centurions are ready to make this a strong and successful season.
Head Coach Tracy Wright emphasizes that cross country is about supporting one another and growing throughout the season. “During races, I tell them to trust their training and run for each other, not just themselves. It’s a ‘we’ sport, not a ‘me’ sport,” said Wright.
Wright believes that natural speed doesn’t define a good runner, but it’s the mindset of the athlete that determines greatness. “Consistency, resilience, and desire are qualities of a great runner. Natural speed helps, but the best runners are the ones who show up every day, put in the work, and bounce back after setbacks. Mental toughness, patience, and a willingness to embrace discomfort are what separate good from great,” said Wright.
Junior Grace Brophy understands the amount of work that goes into practices and races. “When I first started out as a freshman, I was unsure of what to do because I was new to the sport. Now that I have my routine down, I know how to prepare myself for a race,” said Brophy.
Brophy explained that while there are challenges — from injuries to the mental challenges that must be faced — the rewards are great. “People think that there are more drawbacks than rewards but the community is great. Everyone is very nice and supportive of each other. The sport will also get you in good shape,” said Brophy.
Senior Violeta Franco agreed that the team’s community is special. “The Cross Country Team feels like a family. We get to go on running adventures together every day after school and cheer on all of our friends during their races,” said Franco.
Beyond competing in races, the memories that are made are what make the sport special. “One of my favorite memories since joining the Cross Country Team was attending Sequoia running camp this summer. It was a really fun experience with amazing runs that pushed the boundaries on what I thought I was capable of,” said Franco.
For Wright, these experiences and growth from the athletes are the center of the cross country program. “My favorite parts of coaching the Cross Country Team is watching athletes discover they are capable of more than they thought and seeing someone who once struggled to finish a run become a confident racer. I also love the team camaraderie. Cross Country has a unique way of bringing people together and being a family,” Wright said.
Looking ahead, Wright wants the team and program to continue to grow. “We want to be competitive at CIF and keep improving. I want every runner to leave the season feeling stronger, more confident, and more connected to their teammates. Cross country is more than just fast times; it’s about creating a tradition of hard work, respect, and pride in the team, along with building friendships for life,” said Wright.