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By Rosa Shelds
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Feb. 11, 2009 |
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Lowell cross-country runners are stretching out their sore muscles and tightening their battered shoelaces as they confidently prepare for the All-City Championships.
On Nov. 12, the Cardinals raced the Galileo Lions in Golden Gate Park, though this occurred after press time. On Nov. 6, Lowell took on Mission as well as their toughest rival, Lincoln. They triumphed over June Jordan, Balboa and Thurgood Marshal on Oct. 30. On Oct. 24, they emerged victorious in their first AAA meet against Washington, ISA and Burton.
Prior to the meets, senior captain Mark Olson felt optimistic. “There’s a good chance we’ll win based on what I’ve seen in previous AAA races,” he said. “I’m predicting Lowell will sweep the top four places in varsity because there’s not very much competition for us this time.”
Olson’s prediction proved true as the Cardinals swept both the Oct. 24 and 30 meets. The Cardinals exhibited impressive decreases in time and postings of personal records in both meets. Cross-country coach Michael Prutz believed his team posted faster times overall as a result of challenging itself. “We focused on an outside goal of going out stronger and I think people really surprised themselves with how well they did,” Prutz said.
A prime example of this was Olson, who improved his time by almost a whole minute, from 19 minutes and 51 seconds to 18 minutes and 56 seconds.
One factor in the team’s triumph is the motivational activities Prutz has implemented, such as honoring a Runner of the Week. According to Prutz, the criteria for a Runner of the Week is to do something extraordinary, such as posting a personal record time or improving consistently.
For the week of Nov. 3, junior Reilly Clewes and sophomore Corey Worthington were both named “Runner of the Week” for both their postings of personal records and speedy times overall.
Sophomore runner Alison Leung believed the team’s success also stemed from their unique bonding activities. “Prutz has incorporated some new practice techniques to make us a stronger team, like a pie-eating contest,” Leung said. “Fun activities like that bring us closer as a team, which helps us trust and push each other to our maximum potential.”
MVP
Two runners in particular are pushing themselves to their true potential. The Lowell’s picks for Most Valuable Player are Olson and junior Sarah Gulli for their passionate dedication to the cross-country team.
Although Olson was somewhat abruptly named captain after several veteran runners did not return to the team, he has fulfilled his responsibilities beautifully. “Mark’s been a great role model because of his intense drive and dedication,” Prutz said.
Sophomore Karen Chin agreed with this sentiment. “Mark’s our one and only senior, so him continuing to run shows that he really wants to be here,” Chin said.
Gulli has also demonstrated unwavering perseverance throughout the season. “She’s here all the time, she’s interested in improving and she’s passionate about running,” Prutz said. Junior Amber Murakami-Fester admired Gulli for her drive. “She’s an inspiring product of hard work,” Murakami-Fester said.
As All-City Championships near, the Cardinals are feeling optimistic but have a few reservations. “We didn’t expect Lincoln to challenge us as they closely as they did,” Prutz said. “While it makes for an exciting meet and better performances, it’s also nerve-wracking.”
Come watch what’s sure to be an exciting All-City Championships at 11 a.m. this Wednesday in Golden Gate Park.
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