The excitement and energy of being undefeated is on all the cross country girls’ minds. They have been the undefeated team and hope they stay that way.
The girls didn’t start undefeated without hard work. They do a variety of training activities from running short strides to swimming in the pool. Depending on when the meet takes place, they have certain training tasks to do throughout the week to help improve their times. This hard work and being on the team to beat actually doesn’t put pressure on the girls at all.
“People look at us like we are a strong team,” 17-year- old Senior Captain Lina Erlingis said.
She said she is proud that they are undefeated. Other girls say that it is more exciting than stressful. Their biggest meet is Tuesday, Sept.30 against Brighton and they are ready for the challenge.
Who should join this elite team? Coach Brian Salyers, who is on his 18th season coaching the boys and the girls said, “It doesn’t matter who you are as long as you are willing to get in shape and challenge yourself.”
Erlingis started her freshman year in cross country and says she loves running and the team. It was hard for her at the beginning.
She said that the team is so accepting that when she came to school she already knew a bunch of people. Senior captain Rachel Barrett agrees.
“The team is like a family and it’s a great way to know everyone,” she said.
Even though the athletes love the sport, the decision to continue it in college can be difficult. Barrett said she wants to continue it in college, while Erlingis isn’t sure yet, but both of them love running.
Salyers said it is very difficult to get scholarships at the collegiate level, though Milford has had several athletes that have earned one after their time in the program.
He said runners don’t join thinking about running in college, they join for the team sportsmenship and a feeling of accomplishment.
The boys and girls are always practicing together. Some say there is rivalry between the boys and girls, but the girls would disagree.
Since they practice together all the time it gives them the opportunity to improve and challenge themselves.
“They look at it as motivation,” said Salyers.
Erlingis said that they support the boys and the boys support them.
If you want more information about cross country or would like to learn know the upcoming meet schedule, you can contact Salyers at his email: [email protected]