The women’s cross country team at Northwestern State University had an action-packed season, with both new and old members coming together to support one another and race to the finish line. The season began with a meet at McNeese on Aug. 30, followed by competitions at Rice University, LA Tech and Mississippi College before the Southland Conference Cross Country Championship in New Orleans.
Though some courses—like LA Tech—were particularly challenging for the team, others—like Mississippi College and McNeese—reinforced their passion for running and led them to appreciate the beauty of doing something they love in a gorgeous landscape.
Throughout the season, the women of NSU’s cross country team train constantly to improve both their times and their connection as a team. Early morning practices, workouts and weight training prepared their bodies for competitions, while team dinners with team-building games brought them closer together.
One of the most unique things about cross country is the focus on both personal improvements and team competitions. Gracie Evers, a junior biology major, loves how cross country stands apart from any other sport she’s competed in. “Cross country itself is so different from everything I’ve done because it’s both an individual and a team sport. You can’t discount either side,” Evers said. “You want your best time, but your team is also relying on you.”
Evers is excited to be on a team that pushes her to practice accountability and discipline, which she hasn’t had since high school basketball. “Running with other people is a great time, even if you can’t keep up or you’re farther ahead,” Evers said. “Knowing that other people are running at the same time as you feels good.”
Leah Thompson, a senior biology and music business double-major, was thrilled she was able to spend five years in college further pursuing her passion for running. “I’ve always loved that it’s both a team sport and an individual sport,” Thompson said. “We’re all working together as a team to get faster, but we can also celebrate each other’s individual wins.”
Even when things go wrong, the women try not to despair and instead make the most of their situation. Before one race, the team’s charter bus ran late and they barely boarded another bus in time for their race. “It was such a bonding moment,” Thompson said. “Instead of getting stressed out and letting that derail our race, we were on the bus singing and dancing. We didn’t have a care in the world, and it was so fun.”
Faith Bryant, a junior radiologic technologies major, also cherishes the family she’s gained through cross country. “They pushed me past my limits, and taught me how to be responsible and disciplined,” Bryant said.
From goofing off in early morning workouts to competing hours away, the women’s cross country team stuck together and supported one another, racing for NSU while also competing to do their best for each other.
