On Sept. 28, Amador’s cross country team will host the Scott Bauhs meet at Shadow Cliffs. With preparations intact, they plan on competing against at least 22 other different schools with high hopes of winning.
“Our new athletes that we just met, didn’t even know about cross country until school started, is probably about half the team. And we’ve got them to where they’re running maybe 25, 30 miles in a week, depending on who. So, they’re building that up. And at the same time, they’re starting to do things that are faster. In the summer, we’re just trying to build up, trying to run a lot.” said Cross Country Coach Jason Oswalt.
The team’s mentality and strength before every race ensure that they maintain their spot near the top ten. His efforts also extend to his team’s proper nutrition, making sure all of his athletes are well fed and rested for the big meet.
“A day before the meet we have something like a team dinner. It’s called a pasta feed and we basically like get together and socialize and have like good food for preparation of the race. And like we make ideas about how we’re going to run,” said Harkaran Saund (‘28).
With mountains of paperwork to be filled, in revision by the manager of the park, brings up a large obstacle for the team.
Quote:“Now this year, it made me a little bit stressed out because the park got a new manager. So even though we know what we’re doing, that person can have their own take on what we’re going to do. And they don’t know. The last few years, we haven’t even had to have a meeting. We just put in our paperwork.” said Oswalt
In addition to the heavy work, the coaches also have to coordinate with other cross country teams around the area.
Despite the challenges, many athletes are looking up to the challenge.
“I’m gonna try to set a new PR, but that might not go well.” said Cynthia Deng (‘28).
