North Central’s boys and girls cross country teams are required to stay during fall break, as many important meets take place that week. While many may feel this is an unfortunate circumstance, many of the runners say they enjoy the experience
There are many events that fall during that week for the girls, including Nike Twilight, Jv invite and senior night. The team also has practice every day of the break, except the last Saturday and Sunday. It is considered the prime time of their season, where it’s most important that they stay in good shape and stay on schedule.
“I’m not glad that my break is taken but fall break is a lot of fun with my team because we do a lot of fun activities to make up for the fact that our break is getting taken,” sophomore runner Izzy Ewer said.
The girls cross country team makes sure to also get the team bonding aspect by getting together and doing fun activities. Last year for example, they carved pumpkins, went to Indy scream park, and played games during practice to keep things more fun.
They also started their own tradition of hosting a cross country homecoming during fall break since Nike twilight used to fall on the same night as the school dance. The team gets dressed up, takes pictures, and ends their night with a bonfire – a tradition the runners say is one of their favorites.
Nike twilight is an exciting race, since they race at night time instead of the morning. It’s a fun and festive environment to be around, with the runners dressing up with glitter and neon outfits.
“It’s overall a really fun experience because usually cross country meets are stressful and not fun,” Izzy Ewer said.
However, the boys cross country team is following a similar routine, but twelve of their top runners are heading to Gus’s lake house in Michigan to train everyday for sectionals, which takes place a week after fall break. They’re staying there to stay in shape and stay prepared.
“It’s going to be fun. I’m really looking forward to being with the team and growing our bond during the break,” sophomore runner Lewis Mandel said.
Fall break helps the cross country team to stay in shape while also building stronger bonds. With practice and meetings during the break, vacations aren’t really an option or even possible but the team makes it fun and exciting so it doesn’t feel like they’re missing out. At the end of the day it’s about commitment and everyone signed up for the sport knowing the dedication it takes.
