Starting off the 2024 Cross Country season at Rock Island High School, the Lady Rocks have 27 girls on the team, which is the most that they have ever had in this high school’s history. With such a big team, there can be a lot of positive outcomes that can happen this season.
Keziah Anderson is a senior this year. Not only does she run Cross Country, but she is also a team captain for the Lady Rocks XC Team this year. Anderson explained how she felt about the amount of girls on the team this year stating, “I think it’s very fun. we’re used to a small group close to ten, and with this amount, I think we can build a stronger bond with our new community,” she explained. Similarly, Chloe Weise, a freshman on the team, explained, “I think the amount is perfect. There’s plenty of us, and everyone is super nice, too.” With such a big team, it can be very fun to meet new people, and it can also make a greater and better community.
Anderson and Weise explained what is important to succeed this season, and the most important aspect is socialization from everybody on the team. Anderson spoke on the importance of socialization, stating, “I think it’s very important, and with so many girls, it can be hard, but you can branch out and meet someone new. You can get to know their interests, hobbies, and clubs. It’s also important to socialize, so there’s no judgment from anyone, as well,” she explained. Weise also explains how the team has already been very successful, stating, “If there is a problem, you can go to any of the older girls, and they will be very nice and helpful, and I appreciate it.” She also added that, “Everyone is comfortable, and we’re all friends.”
With such a big team, it’s also very important to let someone know if something is wrong, whether it is a Captain, Coach, or someone who you trust that is on the team. Anderson said, “We tell the girls that instead of running to the coaches, you can tell a captain, and you can tell your teammates to tell us, so we can get it figured out, because if you keep it to yourself, you can feel alone, and we don’t want that to happen,” she explained. Wiese also explained, “If there is a problem, you can go to any of the older girls, and Coach Susie. She’s very kind and very helpful, and if you’re having a problem, she’s ready to help, and same goes for Kylie and Keziah.” So whenever this team has a problem, it’s very important that they share it with the resources they have, so it doesn’t get bottled up inside.
Anderson has high hopes for the season, stating, “I really want this season to look like everyone is improving to be honest, you can drop even a second, and that can be your fastest PR.” She also adds, “When we have a meet, everyone is hyping each other up. It’s always important to have a stable relationship with all your teammates, so you can motivate each other even more.”
