Lee Trawick
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
“It always seems impossible until it's done.” -Nelson Mandela
The Suwannee High School (SHS) men's and women's cross country team is building a legacy, from the ground up. The men's team is led by Head Coach Brian Bullock, while the women's Head Coach is Amy Yarick. The expectations for this year’s teams are high with a cloud of realization. This season will depend on how well they, as individuals, take care of themselves, whereas with other sports there is always a next man up mentality. Meaning, if someone gets injured or sick, each team has enough depth to have someone step into that role, letting the rest of the team know they must pick up the slack left behind by the starter. However, in cross country, that is not always the case. Their meets are so rigorous on their bodies that in between meets they must remain in perfect health in order to prepare properly.
For the men's team this season, they understand the district they are in is very difficult with several traditional powerhouses, such as Wakulla, Wolfson, Episcopal and West Florida, all of which are very capable teams of winning the district. However, don't rule the Bulldogs out. While the Bulldogs may not have a rich history in cross country, they hope to build off of last season, as they made their first ever appearance at the State Championships. With last year’s experience and this year’s team, that could all change by the foundation they are building.
Junior Morgan Mobley is one of the bricks in the foundation. He has quickly built a name for himself on the cross country stage. Earlier this season, the Bulldogs were competing in Jacksonville at Cecil Field, where Mobley started in 15th place. Mobley showed maturity to remain focused and stay within his game plan and not panic. He continued to control his breathing and focus on his strides as he pushed forward. As the race progressed, so did Mobley. Slowly, Mobley began climbing the ranks of the race, passing runners until he crossed the finish line in third place for the Bulldogs. Mobley embodies the quote by Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it's done.” Therefore, he prepares for every meet by staying hydrated and consistent with his training.
Junior Paul Gunter is coming off a stellar sophomore season that saw him place first for his team at the District Championships and 11th overall. Gunter will look to capitalize on the experience and knowledge that they did and can win at the state level. Gunter will continue to train and carb load before every meet in preparation for his team’s climb to state.
Another bright spot for the Bulldogs is sophomore Brig Scott, who recorded an impressive sub 20 time last season as a freshman and will look to build on that feat. For Scott, preparing for a meet is equally important as the meet itself.
The Bulldogs will be competing in a very difficult district throughout the season, however, they understand the obstacles they will face in the regular season will have them better prepared for this years run at state.
For the Lady Bulldog's team, they are expecting great things this season as they know the level of competition they will face in the regular season will better prepare them for the playoffs. This year's team shows a ton of potential in regards to the players that have moved up from the middle school team from a season ago. Their winning ways mixed with the team captain’s experience. Look for the Lady Bulldogs to have one of the best seasons yet, and perhaps make a deep push in the playoffs.
This years team will be led by senior captain Lucy Jolicoeur. Her leadership skills are second to none towards her teammates. One player to watch this season is freshman Bri Woods. As a seventh grader, Woods finished third during a home meet. Her favorite highlight of her high school career to this point is earning a spot at the Florida State University Invitational. For the Lady Bulldogs, it was the invitational that opened their eyes to the possibilities of what could be.
Also for this year’s team, look for Maddie McMillan to have a break out season this year with the mental toughness she has developed over the course of her career. This was on display at the Regional Championships last season. Woods was coming off a bad showing at the District Tournament, however, she would not let that one meet define the type of runner she was and hopes to be. Therefore, she came back the next week on a bigger stage and gave the performance of her life by breaking her own personal best record. She lives by the phrase, “when it gets tough; be tougher.”
Alondra Castro is another junior the Lady Bulldogs are expecting a great season from. Castro likes to surround herself with teammates and other competitors that will push her to be better. She isn't intimidated by any particular opponent. She believes in herself and her abilities and looks forward to showing everyone, including her opponents, what she can do this season. She hopes that she and her teammates can post all their personal best records. If the Lady Bulldogs can accomplish that, they are excited to see where they will finish.
Bulldog nation, beware of what’s to come from the Suwannee cross country teams with young great talent and senior leadership leading them. They have all the ingredients to create something great, not only for this year, but for years to come.