Every year for homecoming, the cross country team runs a rely carrying the honorary game ball from the opponent team’s school to the game field. This afternoon, the team is doing just that, running in small groups from Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis to Providence’s football field for the start of the game.Team captains Lucy Buehler ’15, Jenny Walz ’14, JP Flanders ’14 and Jack Reschenberg ’14 will run the ball onto the football field and present the ball to longtime PA football coach Pat Conway.
“The traditi0n started with Mrs. Fogle, when she took over the program,” said Mr. Jaeger, the Athletics Director, “this is the fourth year doing the run.”
When not carrying the game ball for Homecoming, the cross country team has had a good season so far, placing third in there last meet. Although there were many good seniors that graduated last year, the Cross Country team is still strong.
“Our team is doing well, especially considering a number of our strong runners graduated last year. On the boys team, captain JP Flanders is on pace to compete for state,” said Mr. Harman, one of the Cross Country coaches, “the rest of the team is young but showing real promise. They are gaining on our other key senior and captain Jack Reschenberg — altogether they are scoring well.”
The girl team is alos doing well even though their three best runners graduated.
“The girls team also saw a number of key runners graduate. Captain Jenny Walz is our hope for making state,” said Mr. Harman, “Becca Schoenfelder is also having a strong season. The rest of the team is young but showing real promise and talent.”
Even though the team is young, they are ready and prepared to compete.
“We’ll see how things come together now that the weather is cooling. Both our teams are young and hungry,” said Mr. Harman, “If they keep constant with their training we might be a real presence in our section next year.”