This year the cross country team is looking good. They are expecting some big things this season. I got a chance to talk to Alex Watty, a grad student and leader on the team. Here are a few questions I got to ask along with Alex’s answers.
Me: How does the cross country team look for the 2023-2024 season?
“The team is looking good so far. Still early in the season but we have a good group of returners who are hungry for more after the success from the past couple years. We also have a good group of freshmen who are working hard, trusting the process of training, and fitting in nicely into roles they probably aren’t used to from their high school experiences.”
Alex Watty
Me: How do you feel about this season?
“I am feeling confident about the season. Training is going great and just trusting God above all and what He has in store. I want to enjoy this season as much as I can but also have things on the checklist I want to mark off.”
Alex Watty
Me: How are you preparing yourself for the upcoming meet?
“I am just remaining confident in my training and just making sure that mentally I am ready to race.”
Alex Watty
Me: What are your season goals for your team and for yourself?
“I think the big goal for all of us is to make it back to the big dance together. We want to be able to experience that meet together again with the goals being higher than ever to excel as a team there. Personally, I want to be the best version of myself that can help this team out as much as I can in whatever role that may be.”
Alex Watty
Me: What is it like to be a mentor to a young team?
“It truly has been an honor getting to know each of the young guys and being able to provide whatever I can for them. I want to be able to serve as a stepping stone to the next generation of Mountain Lion runners just like the old guys above me did, such as Cooper Brady, Roger Foster, Damon Akers among others.”
Alex Watty
by Devin Luckett