The coach of the St. Timothy’s High School cross-country squad says his team is off to a running start this season.
“We went all through the winter this year,” said coach Travis Cummings. “I think that’s made a big difference.”
About 35 youth from Grades 9 to 12 make up the ranks of the St. Tim’s Thunder running club, and now that the snow has hopefully melted for good, the traditionally strong and dedicated group can be seen pounding the trails in Sunset Ridge near the Cochrane RancheHouse as many as four times a week.
This winter, instead of shutting down the club after last year’s final competitions in November, Cummings offered weekly training sessions for his runners to allow kids to keep one foot firmly planted with the team while still participating in other school sports like basketball and volleyball.
“It just keeps them in touch,” he said.
Cummings added he also worked on individualized programming, so Thunder members like Liam McCullough and Darci Petersen could focus on their personal ambitions.
Petersen’s goal is to try to beat the St. Tim’s school record of 2:31 for the 800-metre distance, while McCullough wants to beat his own previous times.
“I just tell myself to keep going because you’re almost there,” said Petersen of her push.
Cummings said he has been “putting a bit more emphasis on speed this year” and he hopes it will help his students reach those personal bests.
“It’s improving – something to aim for,” he said.
The Thunder will participate in their first meet – the University of Calgary Dino High School Challenge – this week, with two more challenges on May 10 and 12 before the Calgary Senior High School Athletic Association divisionals on May 17. City Championships will be held May 27.
The junior members of the club will hit the Calgary Spring Challenge for their first meet on May 13 and 14.
