On Oct. 15, girls’ varsity cross country won their home meet at the College of Marin Indian Valley Campus, beating Marin Catholic by 35 points and Novato High School by 34. With the top five finishers being Giants, the girls led the way the entire race, winning with the lowest score, 15 points.
The first member of the team to cross the finish line was junior Sydney Middleton, finishing in first place with a time of 19 minutes and 43 seconds. Just 11 seconds later, sophomore Kate Kozubik and senior Marley Nacco crossed the finish line together, both finishing with times under 20 minutes.
Even with the strong scores, sophomore Maggie Belek found it difficult to run in the powerful winds, which even blew over the team tent.
“It’s kind of nice in the forest when it’s a sunny part, but when [the wind is] pushing against you, it’s really hard,” said Belek.
Along with the noticeably strong breeze, sophomore Sloane Ryan was appreciative of the team spirit displayed on the open track.
“One of my favorite parts about cross country is during the race, I’ve loved cheering people on [the] out-and-backs,” Ryan said.
Belek noted how the out-and-back trail, where runners travel in one direction before returning on the same pattern once they reach the halfway point, allowed teams to view their teammates running from all different angles.
“One of the good things [about this course] is that it’s an out-and-back. You can see everybody when they’re running [one] way and when you’re running back. And everyone likes to cheer each other on,” said Belek.
Junior Sophie Manning ran alongside a friend, which motivated her to perform well.
“I was running with one of my best friends so we were pushing each other. But, having everyone at the end and cheering my name felt very nice,” Manning said.
Waiting for racers to finish is a core part of the cross-country team. Belek added that head coach Nicole Graydon wants others to not only be good athletes, but supportive teammates.
“[Graydon] likes to stress team bonding and supporting our teammates, and just being a good person as well as a good athlete,” said Belek.
Girls’ cross country has its next meet on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the College of Marin Indian Valley Campus.