Born to run and grateful to do so
The North Penn Boys Cross-Country team is off to a good start in 2020, and is thankful to have the chance to compete during this Covid season.
The North Penn boys XC team makes their way around their altered course on 9.30.2020. The pandemic and stadium construction at NPHS has certainly changed things for the XC team in 2020.
TOWAMENCIN – The North Penn Boys Cross Country Team continued their season by adding another win to their now 2-0 record.
Although their previous season came to an unfortunate ending, with a tough and unexpected loss at districts following a single-loss season and Conference championship, the North Penn Boys Cross Country Team came out on top against CB West this Wednesday. The team was incredibly grateful to be able to have a season this year and plans to make the most of it by defending their Conference title.
“We’re thrilled to be out here racing and competing and having fall sports because we realize that not everyone is in this position and we’re very fortunate and thankful,” Coach Werner said.
Contributing to their wins so far this season has been a group of five runners who have consistently been amongst the first to cross the finish line. This group, led by Junior Gavin Zanck, includes Seniors Ian Kelly, Karl Schafsteller, Colin Fisher, and Sean Fisher.
“It’s just been great working with the top guys this year. We have a really close pack going and we’re really looking to use that to our advantage this year,” Schafsteller said.
Zanck, season front runner and team captain, is making the most of an out of an abnormal season. Expecting the season to start mid-to-late August as normal, Zanck had to make up for the loss of time with a delayed start to the season. Starting his season by winning the timed trials, he hopes to keep the streak going.
The team had to face some setbacks due to COVID, with one of the runners having to test and quarantine at the beginning of the season. They also had to make do with what they had in order to follow to safety guidelines for the new season. For them, that meant no weight room, indoor practices, and evidently the track as construction in currently underway.
“That just gives us opportunities to train more on terrain and places we usually aren’t comfortable with,” Schafsteller said.
So far the team plans on competing in the Leagues race at Souderton, but nothing else has been decided yet. Hopes are high as the team trains for their next meet against CB East on home terrain next Wednesday.