Champions run hard when its hard to run

John I. Burton's Cross Country Team, consists of fourteen people, five of which are girls.  This team is coached by Sherry Beauchamp.  In a recent interview with Robert B. and Jon B., they spoke a lot of a sport that requires tons of hard work and dedication. Other members of the Cross-Country team include Nic C.,Nathan W., Sam S., Jonah S., Derrick., Austin B., Malachi K., Stacy W., Paloma B., Tiffany A., Haley H., and Sophie G.P.

 Robert and Jon said that there are four races every meet, two junior varsity, and two varsity.  There are around about 80 runners in each varsity race and about 40 in a junior varsity.  Each race consists of 3.2 miles (5k).  Among all local courses, both Jon and Robert agreed that the course at Thomas Walker is the hardest because of the many types of terrain and the fact that they have to run through various creeks.

Later in the interview, the senior captain, Robert B., who has been participating in cross country for five years said, "I qualified for state in singles last year and hope to bring my team with me this year."  Robert feels that his team will be able to achieve this goal if they work hard enough.  The strongest competition they have right now is Eastside and Castlewood.

As some cross country runners would say, "Our sport is your sport's punishment." Good luck to the Cross-Country team this year as they continue their season with, hopefully, some first place bragging rights.  The Cross-Country teams next meet is Wednesday October 21st at Radford.  Come out and support the Raiders!

Written by: Tia Bates