The varsity girls’ cross country team has been making waves this season with impressive performances on and off the course. Balancing motivation for success with team bonding, the Bulldogs have proven that hard work, consistency, commitment, and friendship go hand in hand in building a rewarding team.
There is no doubt that the girls have been working hard to reach their goals through practices, meets, and team-bonding exercises. Their dedication has already paid off, as the team earned first-place finishes at both the Newton Falls Suburban League Meet and the Champion Suburban League Meet. The girls also brought home a team trophy with a second-place finish at the Ashtabula War on the Shore Meet, where several runners received medals for standout performances.
Girls’ Varsity XC/Track and Field Coach at Lakeview, Bryce Nalbach, credits the group’s dedication and motivation as key factors in their success. “It’s refreshing to see our team continue to push each other to be their absolute best each and every week,” Coach Nalbach stated. The growth in both effort and confidence is clearly displayed through every runner on the team.
Regarding the individual aspect of the sport, junior standout Paige Schwartz has led the charge by winning first place at both Suburban League meets and consistently placing high in other races throughout the season so far. As if she wasn’t impressive enough, it is also her first year running cross country! She has set the tone for her teammates, showing what a good attitude and work ethic can accomplish.
Supporting Schwartz at the front of the pack are Junior Claire Remmick, and Sophomores Annalise Lowe, and Kendall DeLeon, each securing top-10 finishes at Suburban Leagues and proving the team’s strength. To complete the team’s lineup, seniors Avery Oaks and Joscelyn Burkey, and Sophomore Leann Shafar have turned in solid performances that keep the girls competitive from top to bottom. Each runner plays an evident and important role in the team’s success, keeping each other strong and motivated.
But what truly sets this group apart is not just their results, but their bond. The girls have developed a close friendship that carries from practice to race day and beyond. They frequently spend time together outside of school and practice, enjoying Starbucks and Dunkin’ trips, team hangouts with swimming, movie nights, sleepovers, breakfasts, and dinners. Each moment they spend together becomes an opportunity to grow beside each other and make memories.
Lowe shared that these off-course festivities are a highlight of the season. “I love our team dinners after meets and hangouts as a team because we have such a close bond with each other,” Lowe said. Certainly, racing and putting in hard work become even more special when you know there is a supportive and loving team cheering you on.
For DeLeon, the sense of friendship is just as important as the competition. When discussing her favorite part of team bonding this year, DeLeon explained that “this season has been truly amazing to share moments with them, especially the team sleepover when the team did a funny prank with me and had a movie night.”
The balance between determination and fun has helped the Bulldogs climb to new heights in the sport. Whether it’s fighting for every spot in a crowded race or laughing together over post-practice coffee, the girls understand that their commitment and bond make all the difference. With strong results already in the books and plenty of season still ahead, the girls are setting themselves up for more milestones and memories. They continue to demonstrate that while individual achievements matter, it’s the strength of the entire team on and off the course that makes this season one to remember.
