Cross country is a very complex sport that requires good cardiovascular endurance and a strong mindset. By containing a strong mindset it keeps the athletes confident in their ability to continue on their season even if a set back appears.
When it comes to sports, injuries can creep up on anyone which can turn into a burden but in the end it is all about the perspective.
“This season I have struggled with injury and the way that I have dealt with that was trying to think about how you can still make your season as good as it can be,” Bo Algate ‘26 said. “Sometimes there will just need to be a change of plans and thinking about why you started is very important.”
To prepare for the big meets, Coach Bree Thorpe prepared the team for success by challenging each athlete to push past their limits through workouts and through tough competition. For the 2024 season the team travelled to Boise, Idaho to compete at Bob Firman and Fresno, California to compete at Clovis Invitational which is where the fastest runners are known to be present.
“I found running at Clovis both exciting and challenging. Running with such a large crowd of people really kicked up my adrenaline while also pushing me to run faster by pacing with so many other runners,” Brianna Sorrillo ‘25 said. “I am grateful for this experience making me into a much more versatile runner by exposing me to a variety of different terrains and elevations.”
Bishop Gorman had a very successful 2024 cross country season with the girls and boys varsity team both making it to regionals and qualifying for state for the second year in a row. The girl’s team placed third while the boy’s team placed fourth.
“Both the team and the coaches have dedicated so much time and effort toward this goal, and to see it accomplished was very rewarding,” Sorrillo said. “The fact that I was one of the girls that was going to be competing at state was pretty exhilarating and motivated me even more to perform well.”
As a Catholic school, the team makes sure to prioritize and put God first in every practice. Each athlete makes sure that the team is a safe environment and that no one feels left out. Not only is everyone friendly but the team is also known to be very supportive of each other no matter what. Whether it’s in races, workouts, our practice each athlete has each other’s back.
“I think that the team is a really good environment and coming into the team as a new student was a really good experience because it was a great way to meet people and get involved in the school activities,” Algate said. “I really enjoyed this season because there are some great athletes on the team and running with people faster than you pushes you to be better. The team is also very encouraging to each other which makes it a great team environment.”
As senior night came around the corner, the team had a tradition where posters and homecoming baskets were handed out. Each underclassmen is given a senior’s name and their goal is to make the race as special as they can for them.
For the 2024 season it was a little bit different. One of the athletes, Carrigan Cook ‘25 informed the team about a special gathering that will be held on the same night. Unfortunately, her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer so to show our support for her journey, everyone wore pink jerseys and joined together as one to pray for her health.
“Every time I lead prayer, I first ask God to let me be used to speaking his words into the hearts of others. I don’t construct my own prayers. I construct God’s prayers and I’m blessed to share them with others especially on senior night since I know that was a very special meet for many,” Owen Kano ‘27 stated.
Sports in general, bring athletes together and make unbreakable bonds. Teammates see each other at their best and at their worst, and that builds strong friendships. The Bishop Gorman cross country team works together to make each other better and help each other build discipline.
“I believe that cross country is such a rewarding sport; this sport taught me athletic discipline with its weekly practices, morning weight sessions, and mental strength while running such long distances,” Sorrillo said.
