After a long year of anticipation and enthusiasm for what was to be the most successful cross country season in St. Xavier's history, the team opened with a win at the Lakota Fall Classic, defeating Elder for the first time since 1985. This early success strengthened the cooperation and spirit among veteran runners, who managed to keep the team's confidence high despite some shocking midseason defeats. These losses were capped off by a seven point loss to Elder in the GCL Championships, despite a team effort greater than any I have witnessed at St. Xavier. The tea rebounded, though, with a victory at the District meet, and with that clinched the city championship. A second place finish at Regionals then took us to Columbus where we finished a mere 17 points behind the state champs, yet were only able to equal last year's fourth place finish.

            Though the above accomplishments are surely important, the real tribute to the team's success is the exceptional number of seniors who have stayed with cross country through all of their years at St. Xavier. They have established the difference between just a team, and a program where each individual thrives on the effort and support of one another. The special unity and undying love of cross country are what bring runners back each year. One senior commented affectionately to me that "we would be nothing without cross country." Certainly our experiences at St. Xavier cannot be spoken of without it, for who could forget singing the alma mater with his best friends after just winning a city championship?