Because of the hours of running courses filled with hills, running and training for Cross Country is physically demanding. However, to the PHS Cross Country Team, the struggle is worth it. The 2018-2019 Cross Country season ended with astate meet on October 19th, 2018 in Kearny, NE. Gracie Rock, a Cross Country runner since 7th grade, said “The hardest part of state was the course, and I was super nervous to get myself to finish strong.” She continued, “the best part was being done, and the fact that I got to run at state. It was an experience of a lifetime.” Gracie also said her favorite memory throughout the year was “spending time with my team, we are all so close it’s like a family.”

Junior Claire Kallhoff said her favorite memory of the year was “the pasta feeds before meets, and meeting new friends.” Senior Cross Country runner Marlon Orellana said, “I joined cross country because I was informed that it would be a lot of fun and that it’s a sport where everybody contributes and no one is left out. It was the best decision I ever made and I regret not joining sooner.”

While the cross country season is over, the memories made from a season last a lifetime.