Coming to an end, after 3 months of practices and meets in the grueling heat, boys and girls cross country competed in their last meet on Oct. 21. Only the top 7 of each team competed for regionals, but through the whole season, a total of 96 athletes held a great season, with a number of personal records [PR’s] set and improvement all around.

At sectionals this past Saturday, regionals, only one of the 14 athletes qualified for sectionals. Senior Nora Graham finished the three-mile race with a time of 19:34, which is a personal best for her. Graham will be competing at sectionals on Oct.28 at Lake Park High School.

This is due to all the hard work the girls and boys put in during their season, with practice starting the first day of school and every day since then.

Many of the athletes, however, did not start their season on the first day of school, but started three months before, participating in camp throughout the summer. Graham admits that one thing that led to her improvement this season was her amped-up work throughout the off-season, and preparing for her season earlier. This is one of the main reasons why many athletes say this is their best team yet.

“This is the best cross-country team that Niles West has had in the last ten years, and all the guys worked really hard to come to where we are now,” junior Isshaq Yousfi said.

Many of these athletes have been doing this sport since freshman year, that’s where potential is seen and athletes have the most improvement. This year especially, according to junior Jude Grant, he judges that West will stay upright and keep their standings.

“We have a very fast impressive freshman class that will keep west fast for years to come,” Grant said.

Both the girls and boys teams accomplishments are also due to the athlete’s energy. Going into practices and meets with a good attitude and always looking for a PR. Day in and day out every cross country athlete made an improvement.

“I’m very proud of my team this season. Everyone is always giving 100% effort at practice and that energy is contagious. As a whole, I think our varsity squad this year is stronger than it has been in the past few years and a big part of that is because of how ambitious this group is and how much each girl wants to improve,” Graham said.

Overall both the boys and girls cross country teams this year, held a great season and finished strong. Cheer on Graham at sectionals!