Ayush Kothari | December 12, 2024
The Woodlands Secondary School’s cross-country team has officially wrapped up another exciting and rewarding season with new personal bests and a competitive showing at races. Cross-country running is an outdoor running sport on natural terrain, and is a test of endurance and mental strength. This year, Novices (Grade 9s) ran four kilometres, Juniors (Grade 10s) ran five kilometres, and Seniors (Grade 11s and 12s) ran six kilometres.
Behind the individual and team success this season were Woodlands cross-country’s dedicated coaches, Ms. Gunner and Ms. Hamilton. The team practiced four times per week, rain or shine, on the track or the neighbourhood streets. This dedication has translated to success at all three races.
The first was at Erindale Park for the St. Marcellinus Bagpipe Classic, where races are introduced with the playing of bagpipes. Next, October 10 brought the Pre-ROPSSAA (Region of Peel Secondary School Athletic Association) race at Heart Lake Conservation Area. This gave athletes the chance to familiarize themselves with the lakeside course they would be running at ROPSSAA. Finally, on October 24, the team competed at ROPSSAA. All the training and kilometres of running culminated in this race. While no athletes advanced to OFSAA (Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations), the provincial competition, ROPSSAA was an unforgettable experience with many individual and team successes. Special shoutout to the Junior Boys team’s impressive fourth-place finish at ROPSSAA!
Cross-country at the Woodlands isn’t just about competition—it is about building resilience, pushing your boundaries, and team spirit. Whether navigating the forested trails of Heart Lake or lacing up shoes for another neighborhood run, it is clear that the team displayed incredible heart and determination.
If you are interested in running, another great opportunity is track-and-field, which will take place in the spring!
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