2006 Cross Country Preview

Inaugural season ahead for Red Hawks

General Sports News - (8/30/2006)

Just before Christmas of 2005, the announcement was made that cross country would be offered as an intercollegiate sport in 2006.  Now, we sit just days after the inaugural team has begun full team training.  For the newcomer to the sport, here is a quick overview of why they do what they do, why Simpson sponsors it, and why this team has a chance at success.

"The best part of cross country, if done right, is the camaraderie you experience with your teammates and coaches," explains Assistant Coach Candace Pecaut.  "The amount of time, discipline, perseverance, and hard-work you put in side-by-side with your teammates makes it foster an environment of strong relationships."

Running, mostly seen as an individual sport, is actually often dependant on a strong team.  In addition to the relationships and accountability of a teammate, both individual and team scores are computed at meets.  The team score tallies points for the top five finishers from each team.  The team receives the number of points for the place each runner finishes (i.e. 1st place=1 point, 2nd=2), and the team with the lowest point total wins.  Once it comes time for the conference, regional, and national races, an individual can qualify by themselves with their individual time, or as a team with their team score.

Cross country athletes have to be extremely disciplined in order be successful in a race, but that discipline often filters into other parts of their life.  Statistics will show, for example, that grade point averages of cross country runner are significantly higher than the average student.

"Those who have the wherewithal to stick it out in the sport usually carry that same discipline in all areas of life, including school, spiritual life, and relationships," says Pecaut.  "It's that kind of student-athlete that we can proudly put in a Simpson uniform and send out to represent the school, the program, and bring glory to God."

That is what the Red Hawk coaching staff has been striving to do since the beginning.  With a late start in recruiting, the numbers are not where they anticipate for the future, but the talent is.  

Head Coach Bill Joseph has brought in one of his former athletes from Foothill High School in Natalie Robertson.  Natalie’s experience, work ethic, and leadership will have an immediate impact on the team.  

On the men's side, freshman Brandon Hall of Paradise and senior Ben Gurczynski look to lead the way.  Gurczynski proved he is a very strong athlete by playing third base, catcher, and left field for the Red Hawk baseball team last season.

The ability to compete as a team may rest in part in the ability to pick up a few walk-ons that have some running experience. However, the opportunity to have some individuals rack up some honors seems well within reach.

The Red Hawks get their chance to prove that running takes discipline and teamwork  as they compete in the California Pacific Conference Championships on October 27 with the hopes of qualifying for NCCAA and NAIA national meets after that.