El Diamante High School Cross Country Season Preview

As the fall season approaches, the El Diamante High School cross-country team is gearing up for an exciting and challenging year. We had the opportunity to speak with Coach Mark Hales about his team's preparations and expectations for the upcoming season. Coach Hales took us through the team's top returning players, potential impact players, and the challenges and strengths they will face this year. When asked about the team's top returning players, Coach Hales mentioned two standout athletes. For the boys' team, they have senior Jon Miller, who has been a leader on and off the field. Coach Hales praised his positive attitude and work ethic, saying, "He is a leader, and his good attitude helps motivate the boys to do their best." For the girls' team, there is junior Brook Bawanan, who Coach Hales describes as having an incredible work ethic and always striving to be the best version of herself. Both players bring skill and leadership to their respective teams, making them essential pieces for the success of the El Diamante cross-country team. As for new players, Coach Hales revealed that they have had a lot of luck with freshmen this year. He expressed excitement about seeing their potential impact and how they will contribute to the team's success. With young and eager runners joining the team, there is no doubt that they will add a new level of competitiveness and talent. When it comes to selecting team captains, Coach Hales looks for a combination of leadership and attitude. He values players who work hard without complaint and motivate their teammates to do the same. Currently, the team is still deciding on who will be captain, but Coach Hales mentioned a few players who are in contention for the role. Building team chemistry is crucial for the success of any team, and Coach Hales knows this. He emphasized the importance of leadership and attitude in creating a cohesive unit. He stated, "We want everyone on our team to be friends and motivate each other." Team bonding activities and having a positive team culture are also essential factors in building camaraderie. Motivation is crucial to push players to reach their full potential. Coach Hales and the team use a collaborative approach where everyone motivates each other. This creates a supportive and encouraging environment, where players push themselves to be their best. The coach also focuses on the mental aspect of the sport, reminding players that any physical exhaustion is temporary and that their attitude towards training and races can make a difference.