BAXC Is Back

Emily League

In the early hours of the morning on Wed., August 13, the Bel Air Cross Country team held their first practice of the 2014 season on the dew covered fields at Tollgate Park.

While the practice location was the same as years before, one significant change occurred this year for the team- the addition of two new coaches. Mrs. Sokolis and Mr. Ruff are the new boy’s and girl’s coaches of the Cross Country team this year, taking the spots of Mr. and Mrs. Andrews. Although the whole team is very sad that Mr. and Mrs. Andrews will not be returning this year as coaches, they are excited to be led by both Mrs. Sokolis and Mr. Ruff.

The Cross Country team is one of the only fall sports that do not make cuts. Around 100 students will make up the 2014 Cross Country team this year, about 20 more than last season. One of the new runners this season is Erika Gonzalez, a sophomore at BAHS. When asked about her first impressions of being on the Cross Country team she responded, “Despite it being hard, it’s a lot of fun being surrounded by high-spirited and encouraging people!”

The Boys’ Varsity team are coming off of a 20th place finish at States last season, and with the larger amount of promising new runners this year they hope to make States again. The Girls’ Varsity team is ultimately aiming to make it to States this season as well. Junior Joy Hayward, a returning top runner shared what she was most looking forward to this season, “I’m looking forward to having pasta parties again and also for another chance to make it to States this year. Every year is a new year!”

The Cross Country team’s first meet will be held on Tue., September 9 at Tollgate Park at 3:30 p.m.