Chandler High School’s cross country team has been making a significant impact on the trails this season with many impressive meet results. As the championship season approaches, the team is heavily preparing and pushing themselves to their limits.

From demanding practices to exhilarating race days, the team has demonstrated remarkable progress throughout the season. Senior David Kenirum shared, “We all have a shared passion for running. Together, we come as one at every meet, supporting people we’ve never met before and helping them reach the finish line.”

That support has translated into considerable success in the course. According to senior Nieve Laird, “The team has made a lot of progress this season. Everyone has set new personal records, and we’ve had several top ten finishes, which is impressive considering there are over 200 participants in a race.”

While cross country and track often attract the same athletes, the experiences differ. Laird explained, “In track, you’re always running on the same track, and there are different events and distances. However, every cross-country course is unique, but the distance is always the same: 3.1 miles.”

One of the most cherished aspects of cross country for Chandler’s team is the race-day atmosphere, where crowds cheer enthusiastically for the athletes. For these runners, running serves as a way to decompress or, as senior Kai Bouknight put it, “an amazing way to stay fit.”

As the season draws to a close, Chandler High’s cross country team is looking forward to the upcoming championship meets. Bouknight, Laird, and Kenirum reflected on their season so far and expressed pride in what the team has accomplished. Looking ahead, if they maintain their impressive times, they will qualify for the state competition and make Chandler High proud.