Cross Country Season Begins With Bright Ambitions

The cross country season officially started in early September, and the John F. Kennedy High School team has been training hard to get faster and faster. After the first couple of meets, the runners have a few things to say about this year’s season.

This year’s athletes, both veterans and newcomers, feel enthusiastic about stepping onto the track and competing for Kennedy this season. Ashkan Rahbar Yazdi (12) is energetic about participating in cross country again. Rahbar Yazdi said, “I’m pumped and excited to be on cross again. I love running, and I’ve been trying to get back into the racing mentality again.” Jack Waller (11), another veteran, is also happy to start running again. “I definitely have to get back in shape. I did not run over summer. It will be rewarding though.” Justin Luong (09) expresses his eagerness too. “I feel really excited to be on the Kennedy team for the first time,” he says.

The cross country team members also have ambitions to improve their times slowly and steadily with each coming meet. Justin Luong commented, “I hope I can break under eleven minutes on the two mile run.” Christian Hsu (12) has his aspirations too. “My only goal for this season is to beat my personal record, which is 12:40 for a two mile and around eighteen minutes for a three mile.” Team captain Isaac Luong (12) also has ambitious plans. “I want to make it to nationals this year and run under fifteen minutes for the three mile run,” he states. 

For many seniors on the team, their final year representing JFK is bittersweet. Hsu said, “I feel sad for only having a year left. I really enjoy running and socializing with the team, so leaving it makes me feel emotional.” Another team captain, Narain Jay (12), shares similar feelings. “It’s emotional. I’ve gone through it for so long, and I’m sad to see it end.” Isaac Luong puts it simply: “I’m going to miss running with my friends.”

Despite the varied emotions the runners feel, all are eager to watch one another grow and get faster together. Jay’s responsibilities as team captain contribute to this. “It’s nice trying to help the team out. We provide a lot of motivation during the runs and where we started from. I’m most excited to see where the team can be at the end of the season and how much they all grew.”

Hsu commented, “I feel most excited about watching my teammates race. I've become well acquainted with a lot of them, so seeing them run and improve overtime gives me joy.”

Photo by Matt Hugh Lim | Cross country endures through physical and mental thresholds.