Harriers have great team camaraderie

By Michael Leek
Sports Editor

One of the least talked about aspects of a team is the culture it has built among the athletes and coaches.

The Stars men’s and women’s cross country team culture has been strong since the beginning of the season, and only grows stronger.

LCC Head Coach Jim Robinson has observed the teams the whole season. The one thing he has mentioned multiple times is their motivation and personality.

“The guys this year they are extremely motivated, the most motivated team I’ve ever had,” Robinson said. “The women’s team; their personality is a little more laid back, but they are very hard working as well, and within the women’s team I have some really driven people.”

There are qualities Coach Robinson mentioned that the teams try to emphasize every year.

“Pursuit of excellence, not just in our athletic pursuit but in our academic pursuits,” he said. “And (I) really I hope it would carry over to every area of their life, because if you’re going to do something, then shoot to do it the very best you can do.”

The athletes are all close. Some of them on the men's team even live together. Sophomore Sam Bruinsma said the team is super close and it is the most tight-knit team he has ever been a part of.

“To put it into words I’d say we’re just like a big family,” Bruinsma said. “We spend a lot of time together outside of practice, and that really helps build a positive culture.”

Sophomore Aaron Bowerman went into more detail on what the runners do outside of practice, and how it makes them more of a family.

“We like to play spike ball, go see LCC sporting events and hang out to watch Thursday Night Football together,” Bowerman said.

The close bonding of the men’s and women’s teams, and the really strong culture, help during the meets, as members support each other.

Sophomore Alyssa Williams said: “It makes the connection stronger, and the teammates that have finished are more willing to go back and cheer for the others.”

Williams said her favorite moments during the season have been exactly that. During all the races, everyone is supportive of each other.

“No matter if someone races good or bad, we're still always happy for them to be here with the team,” Williams said.

For next year, Bowerman said he is very optimistic about how the freshmen will perform as second-year runners.

“The freshmen are going to have a great season next year; we have had one of the strongest freshmen classes I think you could ever hope for,” Bowerman said. “Almost half of our varsity team is returning, and a lot of guys who will be more than able to be varsity next year.”