Cross country overcomes injuries and advances to regionals

Injuries are a constant threat to student athletes and the Lightridge Cross Country team is no exception. During the 2022 season the team experienced a wave of injuries which left many athletes unable to run. 

Despite the injury problem, the team performed well .The girls advanced to regions as a team and one boy runner advanced to regions individually. The team also achieved a large number of personal records,  with the boys team average time dropping by 2.3 minutes and the girls by 2.4 minutes over the course of the season. 

Injuries, however, plagued the team, with a large percentage of the team being unable to compete at one point or another during the season.  Sophomore runner Brandon Antonacci was unable to compete in districts due to a hamstring injury. 

 “It hurt to go up the stairs,” said Antonacci. “I’m in recovery now and getting better.” 

Antonacci offered an opinion on how to get past this problem.

“We need increased stretching and we need to take it more seriously,” he said. “That’s on our part as well as the coaches.”

Freshman Molly Bollhorst dealt with an injury mid-season but made a recovery before districts. The isolation from the team impacted Bollhorst the most. 

“It was really hard to be away from the team,” she said. The injury affected her physical state and her daily life too , with the worst part being the lack of activity caused her be “out of shape.”

 The coaching staff  was happy with the season.

 “Despite the injuries the athletes still did amazing,” said coach Katie Knapp. 

 “Next season we will work to better deal with injuries,” said coach Ryan Mayolo.