“Champions Train, Endure Pain and Never Complain” – XC 18-19

APAC Cross Country was hosted by Hong Kong International School (HKIS), from October 17 to October 22. The race was on October 18, and 9 schools raced including HKIS. The 8 teams that were hosted by HKIS, included American International School of Guangzhou, Brent International School (Manila), Shanghai American School (Pudong), Shanghai American School (Puxi), Western Academy School of Beijing, International School of Beijing, Seoul Foreign School, and Concordia International School (Shanghai).

We arrived Wednesday night and went home with our homestays to get an early night rest for the race the next day. The morning of the race, we gathered in the school at 8:00. The boys’ race was at 9:00 and the girls started right after that. The course was very tough, as it included 1k of straight uphill. Also, the rain made the terrain slippery, but our runners were up to the task.

Overall, this race was a huge success. Although we didn’t do as well as we could have, we gained experience and learned the level we must be at next year. Coach Paras commented, “now that we know the speed we must be at, I see no reason why we can’t place next year.” Since we are a relatively young team, there won’t be many changes or many additions to the team next year. Reflecting over the season, Cheryl. Z says “Our team is talented and I truly believe with continuous dedication and commitment, we will get results next year.” We are planning on getting a head start and getting some practice in during summer, which will help us surpass other teams.

Sadly, we will lose one runner next year, our captain, Senior Michael L. He showed commitment and spirit throughout the season and influenced the team greatly. Reflecting on his last season as a whole, Michael L. commented, “This season was great. Although this was my first year, this team is my family. We all had great chemistry, which showed during practice when everyone would push each other. I know the team will give it their all and improve even more next year.”

I think I speak on behalf of our team when I say it wouldn’t be possible without our coaches, Mr. Paras, and Ms. Maine. Their dedication and belief in all our runners pushed our team to work hard and led us to success. They believed in all of us when we didn’t believe in ourselves, which led all of us to perform our best.