Run for your life! That is the name of the game for the cross country team. Head coach Jeffery Purdom is entering his eighth year at Plainfield Central and is ready for another year of growth for the team. “We use this term, ‘KAIZEN’, a Japanese word for constant growth,” Purdom said. Multiple challenges arise while running, the mental battles athletes have to face in practices and races is one of the biggest. “Running alone with no support can be a tough battle sometimes,” Luke Adair, senior, said. Even with all the battles, fond memories can be created even in conversations with teammates. “I found out I wanted to study botany while running with Arnold Arce,” Ubaldo Rodriguez, senior, said. Athletes join cross country for a variety of reasons, whether that be because of friends, parents, or anything else. “I joined because I love racing and I wanted to push myself,” Ty Vitanovec, sophomore, said. Purdom believes that any student that has had any thought into joining cross country should take the leap and join. Purdom believes in allowing athletes to be responsible for their own training and wants them to love the sport. “I try to get athletes to buy in and give them power over their own training,” Purdom said. The athletes compete individually but are scored as a team. Purdom has goals for his entire team this season. “I mainly want the team to get better. Luke Adair, Ubaldo Rodriguez, and Bridget Kemp will be our leaders and should be competing at sectionals and state,” Purdom said Cross country can be a good opportunity to get into running and gain valuable experience while having fun since it is not like any other sport in this respect. “This sport is special because everyone gets a chance to compete and grow. There is a direct correlation between hard work and success, even if you aren’t the best athlete, if you work hard you will grow,” Purdom said.
