The first Cross Country meet of the season at Immaculata-La Salle High School was filled with nervousness, excitement, and preparation. For the runners, the first meet was a chance to finally see how all their hard work and training would pay off.

Before the race, the runners gathered together and prepared themselves for the challenge ahead. They stretched, talked with teammates, and stayed focused on the race.

After watching the team practice for weeks, junior Violeta Fausciana noticed how seriously the runners took their training.

“I could tell they were really dedicated because they stayed focused during practice and kept pushing themselves,” she said.

Being nervous before the race was normal. The runners had spent weeks practicing and training, but racing against other schools was different. The starting line made everything feel more serious. As the runners waited for the race to begin, they focused on staying calm and remembering what they had practiced.

Preparation played an important role in getting ready for the meet. The team worked on running, pacing, and endurance during practices.

When the race started, the runners took off and gave their best effort. The course challenged them, but they continued pushing forward and supporting one another. Their weeks of preparation helped them stay focused even when the race became difficult.

Junior Matteo Cupello also noticed the team’s determination leading up to the meet.

“They looked really focused and prepared, and you could tell they wanted all their hard work from practice to pay off,” he said.

Although the first meet brought plenty of nerves, it also showed the team what they were capable of. The experience gave the runners a better idea of what to expect in future meets and what they could improve.

For Immaculata-La Salle’s Cross Country team, the first meet was more than just a race. It was the beginning of a new season and an opportunity to turn weeks of preparation, dedication, and focus into progress.