Saint Peter’s Completes Inspiring Cross Country Season

Saint Peter’s Completes Inspiring  Cross Country Season

By Tina Banks

This fall students at Saint Peter’s in Olney laced up their sneakers to join the school’s cross country team. Competing in five meets across the Archdiocese of Washington, runners aged 6 to 14 embraced the physical, mental, and spiritual challenges of the sport, making it a season to remember.

Thirty young runners participated in events tailored to their age group: a one-mile course for those under eight years old and a challenging two-mile course for older runners. The all-terrain courses tested both skill and determination, with hills, wooded areas, and narrow paths requiring strategy and grit. Rain or shine, the athletes gave their best effort, demonstrating resilience and growth with each race. 

Coaches Tina Banks, Alissa Czyz, Emily Dhingra, and Shannon Van Why helped guide the team with faith and encouragement, while emphasizing that cross country was about more than running.

“The best part of the season for me, was seeing the runners make lasting friendships with those younger or older,” said Coach Emily.

“It was great to bring Cross Country to Saint Peters,” said Coach Alissa. “We saw such enthusiasm for our team among the kids and the parents.”

From the start, runners set individual goals that motivated them throughout the season. Six-year-old Fiona aimed to complete her first mile without stopping, a feat she accomplished at the last meet. “I was so proud of myself,” she said. “It felt really good to finish strong.”

Meanwhile, 9-year-old Daniela focused on improving her two-mile time, eventually shaving more than a minute off her personal best. “I liked running in the races and pushing myself to achieve new personal bests." 

From the start, the team was more like a family that individuals. Many parents helped by participating in practices and encouraged the young athletes to achieve their individual goals. This camaraderie amongst the parents and the runners helped the team quickly grew into a supportive and united group.
“The best part for me was making friends with the whole team,” said Eleanor.

Practices became a time for encouragement and fostering friendships, with older runners mentoring younger teammates.

Ten-year-old Robbie summed it up best: “I enjoyed cross country because it was not just about going faster than others; it was about beating yourself and cheering on your teammates. It also taught me to practice and work hard to get a faster time than my previous race.”

The season concluded with the Cross Country Championship meet, an event that brought together hundreds of runners from across the archdiocese. The atmosphere was electric, with more than a hundred athletes competing in each division. Two Saint Peter’s athletes earned medals at the meet, marking a proud moment for the team. Eleven-year-old Alexander finished 10th in the 11U division with an impressive time of 14:41, while seven-year-old Connor placed 15th in the 8U division, completing his mile in 7:25. 
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As Saint Peter’s looks ahead to future seasons, the foundation laid by this inaugural team is a source of pride and inspiration. The runners not only achieved their goals, but also built a community of faith, friendship, and a shared love of running that will carry them forward.