Sheridan High School’s cross country team is full of hard workers and close friends. SHS’s Broncs show what it means to be dedicated and passionate.
Although the team is consistently successful now, there were some struggles at the beginning of the season. The team had a slow start to the season and didn’t do as well as they hoped to during their first race. They were having a hard time recovering. The team was still getting used to the intense courses, but that didn’t put down their positive morale.
As the season has progressed, the Broncs have seen a consistent improvement in their performance at each race. The trust and friendship among teammates is apparent, with athletes often recognizing the supportive atmosphere as a major factor in their development. Practices are structured to not only focus on individual performance but also on a deeper connection within the team. The athletes often share strategies, offer encouragement during runs, and celebrate personal bests together. “I would say what they’ve improved the most is their ability to work very, very hard during the week and still have good races and improve on the weekend,” said coach Art Baures, who has been coaching cross country at SHS since 1997.
The SHS cross country team has some amazing leaders. The leaders of the team push the team to go above and beyond not only during races but also with their academics and practices. After finishing third place overall in a race at the VA Hospital on Sept. 21, junior Kayley Alicke said, “When it got tough, I started praying and praying for my teammates and thinking about them and putting it off myself and onto everyone else.” Alicke runs for the girls’ varsity team. She is a humble teammate and great friend who pushes herself and those around her, proving she is one of many amazing leaders on the team this year.
“People think cross country’s an individual sport and it’s really not,” said Baures, “It’s one of the best team sports, and they do a phenomenal job.”
The season ended at the state meet at Little America in Cheyenne, Wyo., on Oct. 26. Throughout the season, the Broncs were all ranked closely to four or five other teams. In the end, the boys varisity team took home 4th place, and the girls varsity team placed 7th. Gonda was the first to finish for the boys varsity and placed 9th overall. Alicke finished first for the girls varsity, placing 9th overall as well.
The Sheridan community is rallying behind the team as their efforts come together in this final push. Parents and supporters are expected to fill the stands at the state meet, bringing an enthusiastic atmosphere that could make all the difference. With a blend of leadership, hard work, and an unwavering spirit, the Broncs are ready to show what they are made of as they chase their dreams and goals this season.
