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2019

new albany cross country invitational

Monday, August 19, 2019

John Galbreath-Boys Head Coach 

Herb Gregory-Girls Head Coach

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift"-Steve Prefontaine

New Albany High School Cross Country Wall of Honor

1

Bob Burley

15:19.3   1982

2

Dennis Maloney

15:27.70  2015

3

Zack Buck

15:38  2013

Boys
Girls

1

Mirra Galbreath 

18:47  2010

2

Eliza Matt 

18:59  2013

3

Camilla Suarez

19:01  2012

Girls 18.jpg

5 Reasons Why I Love Cross Country                 by Rachel Thompson

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Miles and miles of smiles.

To most, cross country is just considered a group of skinny kids running in a small amount clothes. To me, cross country is a sport that has taught me lessons that I would have never learned otherwise. It's having a blast with teammates that I now consider family. It is hard to put a limit on the reasons why this sport means so much to me and all my fellow cross country runners, but this is a start.

 

1. It is the one sport where the spectators exercise too.

Attending a cross country meet is a whole new adventure for those who have never experienced one. It's impossible to take in the entire meet if you stand still. Therefore, spectators are sprinting in every direction, through knee high weeds, with cowbells, signs, and stopwatches. Some crazy fans even have resorted to yelling into orange cones that are placed on the course - yes, that would be my dad.

 

2. It tests our true limits. 

One of my high school teachers volunteered at the finish line of a big cross country meet. She later told me that she had never seen so much passion in high school athletes. Runners are putting everything they have into their races to where they are collapsing, fainting, and puking at the finish. I have even seen runners crawl to the finish line.

 

3. It is fun.

I am often asked, "How is running fun?" My response is "How isn't it fun?" From mud fights, jumping in random lakes, ponds, and rivers to those deep and ridiculous long run talks, cross country is a blast. Not to mention, it is completely common to get chased by dogs and to encounter other exotic animals on runs. Call me boring, but I think it's pretty fun.

 

4. Running is a metaphor for life. 

Anyone who has ever run before knows that it's not easy. There are always going to be workouts that you have to suffer through and races that you don't think you can complete. As previously mentioned, it tests our true limits. Continuing to persevere when it gets tough and also not giving up teaches us how to be strong in life. In both running and life, there are going to be ups and downs and endless hills to climb, but we have learned to take it step by step. We know that the most important thing is to just keep moving forward.

 

5. It is a family.

From the minute I joined the cross country team in high school, I knew that I had made friends that I was going to keep for a lifetime. I experienced a similar feeling when I met my college team. All of my best friends are either past or current teammates. These are girls that have seen me at my best and my worst. They have seen me smiling with joy after a good workout, to crying on the ground after a bad race. They have pushed me through practices and races that I didn't think I could survive and they have my back in every aspect of life. They have been through the practices where we start laughing so hard that we can barely run. No matter how long we have been apart, the minute we are reunited, it feels like nothing has changed.

 

I'll be honest; there are times when I wonder why I put myself through the pain, the injuries, and the ups and downs. But it all comes back to the rewarding and truly awesome experiences that cross country provides.

Boys 18.jpg
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How Cross Country Changed my life

"When I first joined the cross country team, I thought, ‘What did I get myself into this time?!’  I mean, what kind of a guy would actually want to dress in short-shorts and a tank top?  But aside from the attire, I’ve loved everything about the sport and joining the team has been the best decision I have ever made.  I’ve had the privilege of running alongside an amazing group of individuals over the last four years.  We’ve been through it all, from those killer hills at Blendon to the speed workouts on the track.  With all of the confusion that goes with high school and three different head coaches, I’m thankful to have had this group that I could always count on no matter what.  Thanks for everything, boys.  It’s been a great four years.”"

Parker K

I have gotten older but the challenges remain the same. It's me against the clock. There are no shortcuts to success in running.  You get out of it what you put into it. That's a great lesson for life. 

Garrett L

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Cross Country has been an integral part of my life both through the goals that I achieved and the wonderful friendships I have made.  The sport has allowed me to learn mental toughness and teamwork throughout the four years I have participated.  By running Cross Country, I have integrated running into my life both in the present and the future.
David C
Cross Country has helped me develop friendships with people who share the same values and favorite activities as me.  Without Cross-Country I would not be the person I am.  I now carry memories of everyone who participated in Cross-Country and will never forget them because they mean so much to me.  I met people I would never have met had I not done Cross-Country.  It has helped me develop a work ethic and a positive attitude towards anything challenging.  It is truly one of the best experiences I have ever had in my life.
 Parker D

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Contact:  

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New Albany Athletic

Department 

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John Galbreath <galbreath.1@napls.us>,
Mary Ferguson <ferguson.1@napls.us>

office: (614) 413-8300

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