Senior Delaney Juenger comments on the lack of toxic competitiveness in a sport like cross country, and more the focus on individual growth as a team, “The closer we are with one another, the better we’re able to push each other and race as a real team.” There is also an added novelty in having friends to run with. By the time runners reach their 4th year of running, many of them form very close friendships. “The senior girls on the team are a great group of athletes that will be really missed after the year ends.” says Coach Klein. “I hope that all of them look back on their years of running high school cross country with fondness. This year’s end of season banquet will be bittersweet.” Michela Schenk and Delaney even got one of their other friends to join cross country with them, and the welcoming inclusivity of the cross country team is second to none. The coaches mention their positive feelings going into the fall season, and their excitement for what the year will bring the girls. Throughout their time together, the coaches and the runners have also become good friends. Michela humorously recalls Coach Klein making jokes with her, especially ones that revolve around Taylor Swift or Conan Gray. Not only will the girls be sad to say goodbye to each other, but also to the coaches. However, one of the best Winnie the Pooh quotes goes as follows, “how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard,” and the girls should look back on high school cross country with wonderful memories and a lot of pride. Cultivating such a firm bond and so many wonderful memories creates an optimal high school experience for all of the cross country girls, and is something they will always look back on fondly. As Michela Schenk said, “All of those first moments as seniors and last moments of high school are just really, really special to spend with the friends on the team.” The Blue Devils of Warren Township High School cheer on