Girls cross country camp pushes students to “never give up”

It’s a humid day in early July. The girls’ cross country camp gathers under a tent, preparing for their daily practice. To someone else, this weather might be worrying; with the sun beating down from above and grass still soaking from the storm the night before, it may not seem ideal for a long run.

This team, however, spends the time chatting, laughing, and warming up. Among these eager faces is Kate Pratt, a junior, and one of the captains of the team.

“My favorite part about cross country is the team aspect. You meet so many new friends throughout the year and make so many memories,” Pratt said in an interview.

Even with a positive attitude, though, cross country isn’t without obstacles. Pratt explained that, “balancing Cross country with homework, school, family and other sports can definitely be challenging at times.” However, she also said that, “through Cross Country you really learn the meaning of time management. You prioritize your down time with stuff that needs to get done.”

Katelyn Winton, a senior on the team, said that time management isn’t the only lesson that cross country has taught the runners.

“One of the most important lessons that I have learned is to never give up and push through the pain and good things will come,” Winton said.

Part of these runners’ enthusiasm could come from coach Lauren DeAngelis. She started running at York in the nineties. Today, as head coach, she continues to look for new ways to improve the program.

“There’s always something new to learn and to bring to the program. I just really enjoy doing it, and by my enjoyment, I feel like it translates to the girls,” Deangelis said.

DeAngelis added that she would encourage students who aren’t in cross country to join.

“You just need to put the time and effort in. It doesn’t matter your ability or level. Once you start putting it in and you find your love for the sport or love for your teammates, it definitely translates into having success.”