News & Events: Dreaming of a Cross Country Team

By Autumn Hopkins

Academia Staff Writer

     Sophomore Sam Lisek has had a dream for quite some time to start a cross country team at EWA but it took a little “legwork” to get it “off and running.”

     “I just enjoy running and I thought the school should have it. There are a lot of students who are not very talented when it comes to hand/eye coordination,” said Lisek, adding running does not require much dexterity of the hands “and it doesn’t even take equipment – just a lot of self-discipline and endurance.”

     She first had to obtain signatures from students who were interested and she came up with 20. She also had to write a proposal to the Athletic Booster Club but after brief deliberation, the proposal was approved.

      With 17 strong, the cross-country teams are already showing they are a force to be reckoned with. Coach Drew Weizer said he is impressed with the showings of both the middle and high school teams. He advises his teams to “train with a plan, run with a purpose and race with a passion.”

     Middle school runner Dylan Bradley said it is “a lot of work” and freshman Jacob Thomas said the training comes with “a lot of running” but the hard work is paying off. Coach Weizer said the middle school team is making an impressive showing in competitions.

     “Most of our team members are new to cross country. However, we are all supportive of each other and work hard to achieve our running goals,” said Lisek. “They never complain and they’ve done what they’re suppose to,” adding they practice everyday after school and can run anywhere from “a mile and a ½ to four miles.”