From the moment summer starts, they are off, practicing nonstop. At 6:00 am, the team gets up and runs two hours a day, six days a week. They run about thirty miles every week! Led by Coach Shawn Siemers, this team has come a long way.
Everyone loves the camaraderie that has been built within the team. Over the years, they have gotten closer and have built such a strong bond. They will always be there for one another and are like family.
This year, Stratford won the district sweep. They met for their very first race in late August and went to state on September sixth. The cross-country program consists of five teams: varsity boys, varsity girls, JV boys, JV girls, and freshman boys. The girls, however, went to state and finished in second place!
When talking to the parents about these hard-working athletes, you learn the importance and significance of practice and determination. During the 2020 season, Covid brought all sorts of challenges. For example, the team was forbidden to engage in any organized practices. Despite this obstacle, many of the participants would go in smaller groups to continue their training with each other.
Mrs. Terrhan Dial, mother to cross country runner, Paige Dial, talked to us about how the parents support their children. “During some of the races, we would go out and give water to the kids,” she says. They also admire the stature that these kids hold themselves too. “They always push one another to be their best,” says Dial.
Mrs. Dial would like to put a spotlight on Emmanuel. He is an immigrant, who came to Stratford showing everyone what he is capable of. He won sixth in state and has a verbal commitment to Iowa State. He even lost a shoe during the middle of a race, but despite this, ended up winning first.
Everyone in the Memorial community is so proud of their cross-country team. They truly give everything they have to the program and never give up. Way to go!
