By JOHN BRYDEN ‘19
With the weather cooling down and the leaves starting to turn, it definitely feels like cross country season. Our cross country runners can definitely feel it too. The team, full of golden hearted runners, has been training tirelessly since the beginning of summer. With a number of successful meets already under its belt this year, our defending State Champion team will certainly be exciting to watch.
Coming off of a State Championship, our XC Cats have a lot of hope and ambition that will hopefully lead them to a second consecutive victory. Many have questioned whether or not the team will pull through with another title. Despite any doubts, Chris Larsen said, “Our training has set us up to peak in November right on time for the State Championship Meet.” Team Captain Patrick Nolan added, “A lot of teams look really good right now, but we are not a team that peaks this early in the season.” If these words do not set your heart 
ablaze with a passion for victory, nothing will. The XC Cats have been working as hard as possible. An emphasis on strength will be a difference-maker this year. The team is now in the weightroom frequently working on strength and injury prevention. When asked about the new program Gabe Ohliger stated, “My legs have never been this defined. I feel invincible.”
It is early in the season, yet the few races run have been full of personal records and victories. CJ Ambrosio, featured athlete of the week, had an incredible finish at Hilliard Davidson earlier in the month. His staggering time of 15:24 pushed the team along in their victory over Pickerington Central. CJ made his mark by setting the second fastest time for a 5,000 meter race in school history.
Everything is looking up for the Cross Country team this year. Make sure to get out and support the team. In the words of David Mcdonald, “A cross country race is like a Chris Angel show. Get out there and watch the magic!”
