The NDA cross country team is well on its way to finishing up a remarkable season. They have been competitive in every meet, taking high spots on the leader board.

According to Junior Howie Gerstner, “This will be a year to remember.”

Both the boys and girls teams have dominated local competition and finished #1 and #2 respectively at the five-state Griak Meet in Minnesota.

Gerstner explains his optimism for the team by saying, “Our boys team is arguably one of the best, if not the best team we’ve ever had, currently ranked at number two in the state.”

With state looming on the horizon, the team sets its eyes on preparation for the state meet.

Gerstner explained the team prepares for important meets by running the same strenuous workouts and eating the same terrible tasting health foods–and labels it as “suffering.”

However, Gerstner believes, “born from that suffering is laughter, happiness, and great friendship.”

Assistant Coach Cassidy McGowan also believes participating in cross country builds camaraderie.

McGowan wanted to get involved in cross country because “I want to give back to the younger generation my love of running and what I have learned.”

Gerstner praises the coaching staff, “The Cross Country team always has an exceptionally dedicated coaching staff, who are willing to go the extra mile (pun intended) to ensure the best experience for every runner.”

The coaching staff of the cross country team includes Head Coach John Gard and Coach Kim Lasecki, supported by McGowan, Dylan Lange and Kim Barrette.

Gerstner said, “If it weren’t for our coaches, none of us runners would be where we are today individually, and especially as a team.”

In addition to the coaching staff, the team appears to be building for continued success due to the number of young, talented runners on the team.

“This year I have witnessed my team give nothing but their all in each and every race, and this is how I know we will do well at the state meet, which has always been our overlying goal,” said the junior.