The season of running shoes, strained muscles, and short shorts is upon us once again. The BSM boys’ cross country team is at it again this year, practicing and preparing to tackle a total of twelve highly competitive meets throughout the fall.

The BSM team placed fifth over all in the Ron Kretsch Invitational meet on September 11, and several team members in grades 9-12 placed in the top 10 for their grade level. The season’s meets conclude with the state race, taking place on November 6.

This season’s team contains a combination of both new athletes and cross country veterans, making them stronger and faster than in previous years. “The team is mostly juniors this year, and we’ve got some really strong runners. We’re definitely better than last year,” said senior Nick Best, captaining the team alongside seniors Patrick Deeney and Garrett Shaffer.

Practicing five days a week after school, along with 6:30 a.m. morning practices Monday through Thursday, these athletes dedicate much of their time to running in order to train for their competitive, long-distance meets. “Meets are pretty fun. They’re a really good way to see how you’re doing or see where you’re at in the season,” said Best.

Best credits the team’s incentive to run and do well in meets to their pump up routine, involving listening to music such as “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz and “DJ Got Us Falling In Love” by Usher.

The team runs anywhere from ten to twelve miles at a tough day of practice, and a “recovery” day may consist of a rigorous five to eight mile run. “Practices can get long, and morning practices are brutal. But the team is fun to run with, and it’s fun to challenge yourself,” said Best.

If the team keeps up their current dedication and continues to place high, they should finish with a very successful season.