8/29/2020: Boys and Girls Rudy Skorupa Invitational
September 2, 2020
The “Beast,” as the boys and girls cross country teams like to call it, is a steep hill within the Lake Central course. To meet the guidelines during this pandemic, the home course was changed. The teams had to run up the Beast three times during their home meet on Saturday, Aug. 29 instead of the usual two times with the normal course.
But the amount of times running up the Beast wasn’t the only thing to change for the runners. Because of the prevailing COVID-19, both teams had to adapt to various changes.
“There are some obvious changes. We have to wear our masks up until the start line. As soon as he raises his flag we can take it off and hold onto it. As soon as the race finishes we have to put it back on,” Elizabeth Solis (11) said.
Along with mask rules, the teams had to follow other guidelines, including running in separate groups, not allowing pasta parties and having limited spectators at meets. Some runners were surprised to see the cooperation within their team.
“Honestly, I expected the team to get shut down due to people not wearing masks or social distancing, but it seems that everyone respected these rules. I wasn’t expecting everyone to actually comply, solely because of the fact that people don’t realize we’re in the middle of a pandemic,” Anthony Tortoriello (9) said.
Despite the limitations, the teams have kept their persistence high. During the meet on Saturday, the girl’s Varsity team placed first and the boy’s Varsity team placed second.
“The team did amazing at the home meet and I’m so proud of everyone. I feel like a lot of us got our personal records for this season at our home meet. Personally, I got 2nd place in the JV girl’s race and I’m also very proud of Marie Weber (9) for finishing first,” Amanda Spanier (10) said.
With all the modifications in place because of the virus, the teams have experienced a season unlike any they’ve experienced before. But although the future of this season seems uncertain for both teams, the differences have inspired them to work harder.
“I am working on treating every meet like it’s my last and pushing myself past my limits. We have to take it day by day,” Natalie Kransky (10) said.
