Bailey, Gianna, and I have been the leaders of the Roxana girls’ cross country team for all four years of our high school careers. We’ve been called the heart of this program, an idea that honestly makes me want to cry.
The three of us have been the core of Roxana cross country for four years. We’ve logged hundreds of miles together.
Going into high school, we were already good friends, but these four years of cross country have just built our bond. I love spending time with them outside of our sport. We have so many inside jokes and memories together.
Leadership
Taylor Partridge was one of my biggest influences. She was a senior my sophomore year. She helped me through so many runs and workouts.
I loved having her as a captain.
I want to leave an image of myself here as a leader, and I want to forever be with the team. I’ve been a leader my whole life. My parents would come to get me from the nursery at church, and I was telling everyone what to do.
It always came easily to me; I can lead and take charge wherever I go. I’m a member of Student Council, Best Buddies, National Honor Society, and Saturday Scholars. I’m also a Student Ambassador. It always came easily to me; I can lead and take charge wherever I go and I want to help people along the way.
I love making an impact on people’s lives, and being a part of this team will forever be with me.
Running Together
Back in 7th grade, Gianna convinced Bailey and me to run with her. I had only ever done track, and I was a sprinter. My sophomore year, Bailey, Gianna, and I “halloweenied” coach’s house. Which means we put a bunch of hot dogs all over coach’s front yard. We died laughing the whole time. We made a heart out of hot dogs on his porch, and it left a stain for months after.
Bailey, Gianna, and I each bring unique energy and leadership styles to the team. Bailey and I are the “rule” leaders. We make sure the runs are done and that what coach says happens.
Gianna is the joy. She is always making jokes and keeps the team spirit up.
If one of us isn’t at practice, the whole mood is off. We’re a trio that works perfectly together. Even though we race by ourselves, we know that every place matters for the team. During workouts and runs, we keep each other going. When one of us wants to quit, someone else keeps us motivated.
When I cross the finish line at my final meet this season, I hope the underclassmen remember the benchmark the three of us set. I hope that they will see the hard work we have put in over these four years.
Our final race is going to be a rough one, knowing we won’t ever race together again.
I want people to remember us as the trio of the girls’ team.
I love making an impact on people’s lives, and being a part of this team will forever be with me.
Elizabeth Clouse
Advice to Younger Runners
My advice to the underclassmen is to push through it. Getting through the summer runs and early season meets is the hardest part of the season.
It will get better and you will love cross country, just like the three of us do.
