On Saturday, Oct.28, the Jones cross country team had their last meet of the season, where they finished off strong and said a bitter-sweet goodbye to the 2023 season.  

On the day of the meet, the team showed up ready to race and perform.  

“We knew it was our last race of the season so everyone was pretty positive going into it,” said Quintana Weisgerber ‘25, a member of the team that ran at sectionals. 

Although the team did not advance further than sectionals, many considered the meet to be a success as they were placed in a harder sectional than years prior. They faced many obstacles, like weather conditions that caused the course to be extremely muddy and slippery. 

Despite the challenges, everyone still had high energy and effort, even if there was a bit of solemnity in the air because it was the seniors’ last meet. 

“Everyone was really excited going into the meet, but they were also a little sad too because it was the seniors’ last race. But of course they all did super well and pushed hard,” said Weisgerber. 

With Sam Berlinghof, a runner on the the cross country team, finishing his state meet on the weekend of Nov. 4, the season is officially over for the entire team, giving them a lot to reflect on. This was the first year that the cross country team became a co-op team, meaning they combined the boys and girls teams. Their coach, Tanner Beebe, who previously was only the girls coach, now had to coach a joint team of around 70 people. 

“It was kind of awkward at first but then we did some scavenger hunts around the South LooP, which helped because we were a team with all grades. The upperclassmen did a good job of including the underclassmen and getting to know them, making them feel comfortable,” said Sadie Levitt ‘25, a member of the team.  

As the season went on, the team grew closer due to their ability to work together and the community they created during the season. 

“I think we were successful this season because of our teamwork and how everybody worked together. And my coach did a good job of putting people in the same running categories together so we could get to know each other,” said Tamiah Harris ‘25, a member of the team. 

Many on the team felt as though this season was a success and were proud of all they had accomplished this year. All three teams, freshman-sophomore, junior varsity, and varsity, had a victorious season and created a tight-knit community along the way.

“We’re all very close, obviously, you have close friends on the team versus acquaintances, but even then you’re here to do your sport and meet people along the way. You don’t have to be doing this, you get to,” said Levitt. 

The team worked hard and their hard work paid off with their second place finish at the Cities championship and many well-raced runs at the Sectionals championship. 

“Our support system is unmatched and I think a lot of long lasting connections were made this year,” Weisgerber said.