CROSSing the Finish Line
- Wolfpak Press
- Oct 21, 2021
- 4 min read
Written by Joie Kim and Tyler Nguyen
Jackson Cross Country has had an amazing season this year, with major wins coming from both the JV and Varsity teams. The sport requires its athletes to hold a strong mentality, and it is safe to say that XC runners are often not given the recognition they deserve. So, to gain a deeper insight into Cross Country, we decided to interview a few of our XC athletes: Jeremy Kim (Varsity - 12), Mason Koh (Varsity - 12), Bailey Board (JV - 10), and Ichiro Katagiri (JV - 10).
What is your favorite part about running Cross Country?
“My favorite part of Cross Country is if I have a bad day, I am able to bounce back when I go for a run and when I'm with the team. It can clear my head.” - Bailey Board
My favorite part about cross country is hanging out and having fun with my friends.” - Mason Koh
“My favorite part about running cross country is definitely the bonding with my friends and teammates. We get many chances to talk and have fun during practice as well as many team dinners and events. I've met a lot of new people through xc and everyone is very inviting and warm leaving a comfortable environment that's fun to be around” - Ichiro Katagiri
“My favorite part about running is all the great friendships I’ve formed, and also the improvement I’ve amassed over the years. It’s a great feeling to see how much I’ve improved and my new personal best times.” - Jeremy Kim
What is the hardest part about running Cross Country?
“XC is definitely a mental sport, you have to push yourself to keep on going. But workout wise, hills and mile repeats are one of harder workouts.” - Bailey Board
“The hardest part about running XC is the early morning practices in the summer.” - Mason Koh
“The hardest part I would say is staying motivated. Having practice after school everyday can be tiring especially if you know it's going to be a hard workout, but if you can push through it and stay focused it will benefit you immensely” - Ichiro Katagiri
“The hardest part about running is the workouts, especially when it’s raining or super hot out. Hills and mile repeats, in particular, are definitely the hardest.” - Jeremy Kim
Why did you choose to run Cross Country?
“I don't really know why I chose running. My friends and I joined in 6th grade, and I kind of just stuck with it. I stuck with it because I stayed in shape and I met really supportive coaches that have helped me be a better runner” - Bailey Board
“I chose running because all my friends did it and I was good at it” - Mason Koh
“I choose running to become/stay fit and active. XC is great for my conditioning and I can transfer my cardio from xc to other sports like soccer and everyday life” - Ichiro Katagiri
“My cousin was on the cross country team and I thought being on the team would let me spend more time with him.” - Jeremy Kim
Do you have any hobbies outside of school and running?
“I play select softball, if I'm not running there's a high chance I would be at softball practice.” - Bailey Board
“I like playing video games and basketball.” - Mason Koh
“I enjoy soccer, video games and hanging out with friends. Nothing too specific I guess, oh also eating, pretty much anything that tastes good” - Ichiro Katagiri
“I like to play different sports like football, basketball and bowling. I also like to hang out with my friends.” - Jeremy Kim
Is there a coach or athlete you look up to and why?
“Last year, I was able to run with Sarah Sewell, she was a Senior last year. With her being a super talented runner (made State being a Sophomore), I was able to get a lot of advice from her and she definitely inspired me to be a better runner.” - Bailey Board
“An athlete I look up to is Brenden Charbeneau because he is super fast and works really hard” - Mason Koh
“Our head coach Mr. Hrushka is very inspiring. He's very passionate and energetic about coaching us, and he's good at it too. He's also probably the most persuasive person I know. He could easily convince me that I'm 6 feet tall as well as motivate and push me to run faster than I've ever gone before.” - Ichiro Katagiri
“I look up to Kobe Bryant because of his great work ethic and self discipline, as well as his desire for improvement.” - Jeremy Kim
How has being on the XC team affected your life choices and habits?
“XC has made my life better, I met and bonded with teammates, who are now close friends. I've also been in a happier mindset, I look forward to seeing and running with my teammates everyday.” - Bailey Board
“I would say that I am more disciplined and I work harder.” - Mason Koh
“XC has influenced my life choices and habits for the better. I make sure to get enough sleep especially before meets, drink enough water (no soda), and eat enough to sustain me. A good habit I picked up was doing most of my schoolwork in class and not procrastinating. Knowing that I have xc after school allows me to focus and get my homework done, so I don't have to worry about it when I'm tired after practice.” - Ichiro Katagiri
“Cross Country has taught me to be more disciplined. I’ve learned to eat healthier, wake up earlier, sleep earlier, finish my homework faster, and just be more productive overall.” - Jeremy Kim
What's your biggest motivation for running?
“My biggest motivation for running is when you feel good after the workout. You feel like you are on top of the world.” - Bailey Board
“My biggest motivation for running is to get faster so that I don't let the team down” - Mason Koh
“My biggest motivation is beating Romesh. I know that if I slack off Romesh will eventually catch up to me and if he beats me even once I know that he won't let me forget it, so losing isn't an option. Also, seeing my hard work pay off and my times improve. The satisfaction of getting faster and faster definitely keeps me motivated.” - Ichiro Katagiri
“My biggest motivation is the satisfaction of getting through the finish line and making new personal best times.” - Jeremy Kim
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