The 2023 Hidden Valley Cross-Country season kicks off with the Vikings Invitational at Northside. Cross-Country requires a lot of endurance and resilience. This may not be the sport for everyone but it sure is for these two Juniors on the Varsity team.

Leila Ramey (11) when asked why she joined stated that she originally joined during covid because she wanted to “get more exercise and go outside more.” However, Ramey said that the reason she has continued to come back to the sport each year is because of the supportive environment. She even said, “the team feels like a big family.” She loves seeing the cheering and support from the whole team, with some being as young as sixth grade.

Jacob Stewart (11) has been a part of the Cross-Country team for four years now. He says his “favorite part of cross country is the community it builds.” Cross-Country not only “builds a community within Hidden Valley but also with other schools” he states. Stewart really appreciates the “mutual respect among the athletes.” He says, “all of us have worked really hard to get to the point we are and looking around at the 100 other guys on the line, you know they have too.”

Coach Stewart took over as coach for the Cross-Country team in 2022. Lauren Murray (12) stated that “Coach Stewart has really helped me learn my running potential” she says, “he has improved the whole team so much in his time as Coach already.”  With a strong team, hard work, and the help of Coach Stewart, this Cross-Country season is sure to be a success.