For a long time, Fairfax County didn’t have organized sports for middle schools, however, this year, that changed. LMS had its first-ever Cross-Country team and took home three wins during its season.

Over 100 people signed up for the team, though not all of them came to the meets.  Jim Bradford, one of the team’s four coaches, estimated no more than 60 students showed up for the meets. Other coaches included teachers Shelby Hill, Brett Lawrence, and Jenn Sim.  PE teacher Mr. Stokes was the official administrator for the program. 

“Students have been improving with every practice, every time I’m out in the field I see stronger athletes,” said Coach Stokes, who did not work with the students directly, but came out to observe the program in action. 

According to the students, practices never get boring. The coaches are always pushing athletes to go out of their comfort zones and try their hardest every time. The team also practices no matter the weather, sometimes, even in the pouring rain. 

The drills differ depending on the practice, sometimes even hurdles are used, while others the focus falls on cardio, or maybe that day it’s all about the stretch.

Cross country involves resilience, strength, and perseverance, everyone who joins the team possesses all of those qualities, and they work to improve them alongside their coaches.

Students interested in track and field can also join the track team this spring, which will focus on a wider range of track and field events.