By: Isaiah Shim
The Pacific Lutheran University men’s and women’s cross-country teams have had individual triumphs—now they look to experience success together this year. With 2 second place finishes, both teams are hoping to build momentum with Northwest Conference Championships rapidly approaching.
Head coach Adam Frye is confident in his team’s ability, saying that this has been “the most fit group, top to bottom” that he’s had since his arrival in 2016. “The overall fitness and preparation for both teams has been really solid,” said Frye.
Frye has high expectations for the teams this year, stating that he expects senior captains Kyle Rapacz and Sammi Sponenburg to have a big impact as the post-season approaches.
Rapacz is excited for NWC championships and all of the extra care it takes to prepare for postseason meets. “This part of the season is always a lot of fun for the athletes as we start to taper our training,” said Rapacz.
Sponenburg also acknowledges the importance of this time frame as “it allows us to feel rested, healthy, and ready to run our best race at the championships.”
Team chemistry is an aspect that both captains said was very strong within the teams, each saying that they are expecting underclassmen to have big roles as postseason meets approach.
Even though cross country is an individual sport, Rapacz believes team chemistry is just as important as any team sport. “At the end of the day it comes down to which team has the five highest finishers.”
Sponenburg agrees, stating that “having relationships with your teammates allows you to build trust which allows you to be a stronger team as a whole.”
