Fall is coming to a close and with it the cross-country season as well. The Laurel Highlands Athletic Conference Championships have come and gone, and districts is just on the horizon. So, let’s reflect on the season and careers of our seniors. The senior roster this year comprised of Marlayna Bender, Anna Luzier, Spencer Luzier, Ruth Wurster, and Brenna Yarger. The girls finished with an incredible record of 14-1, and the boys had a record of 5-10. With such an amazing season let’s see what the seniors had to say.
Question #1: How long have you been doing cross-country?
Bender: Two years.
A. Luzier: Three Years.
S. Luzier: Three Years.
Wurster: Five years.
Yarger: One year.
Question #2: Why did you start cross-country?
Bender: Because it seemed like a really positive environment.
A. Luzier: Because I enjoyed running.
S. Luzier: Becuase of my brother and Domenico.
Wurster: To get into shape for track.
Yarger: Becuase Spencer said it would be fun.
Question #3: Where is your favorite course?
Bender: Ridgway
A. Luzier: Penns Valley
S. Luzier: Clearfield
Wurster: Ridgway
Yarger: Ridgway
Question #4: What is your current five kilometer race personal record?
Bender: 21:50
A. Luzier: 21:57
S. Luzier: 18:20
Wurster: 23:51
Yarger: 32:38
Question #5: What is your favorite coach quote/speech?
Bender: When Mr. Jacob said, “Your mind can push past what your body thinks it can do.”
A. Luzier: When Mr. Yingling told us he brushes his teeth before every run.
S. Luzier: When Mr. Jacob quoted David Goggins saying, “When you’re not putting in the work, I am.”
Wurster: When Mr. Jacob told us to ride the razor’s edge.
Yarger: When Mr. Jacob said, “You finished with 10% left.”
Question #6: What is your favorite cross-country memory?
Bender: Going to Chick-fil-a after Central Martinsburg.
A. Luzier: The bus ride home from Central Martinsburg.
S. Luzier: Me and Domenico securing the backseats.
Wurster: The tailgate after practice.
Yarger: When someone came to run with me to the finish at the Red Flash Invitational.
Question #7: What are your goals for districts?
Bender: Get a personal record.
A. Luzier: To get a better personal record.
S. Luzier: To get a season personal record.
Wurster: To get a personal record.
Yarger: To get a personal record.
To conclude, this has been one of the largest, most hard working, and delightful group of seniors I have seen since joining the team. It will be a completely different team without them next year. These seniors and this team have the chance to give the best district performance we have ever given. I am both excited and sad to see them perform at the last meet of the year.
