Patuxent High School Coed Cross Country Season Preview

The Patuxent High School Cross Country team is gearing up for an exciting and competitive season this year. With a mix of experienced returners and promising new talent, the team is determined to make a name for themselves and showcase the running culture in their small town of Lusby, Maryland. Starting with the top returning players from last season, the team turns to seniors Brett Sheranko and Devan Humphreys as their team captains and leaders. Both runners have been dedicated to the sport since their freshman year and have shown significant growth and improvement over the years. Sheranko, known for his tenacity and drive, has set a goal to run for the Naval Academy next year, making his mark as a top runner in the state. Humphreys, on the other hand, has a fierce and controlled running style that has earned her a spot as one of the strongest runners in the conference. With her sights set on setting records and running in college, she will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with on the trails this season. Also adding to the returning players is senior Hope Hall, who has shown consistency and determination both on and off the trails. Her hard work in the weight room and on the pavement has made her a key runner on the girls' team, with a reputation for being tough and pushing through hills. Sophomore D’neri Lara, who had a successful freshman season, returns with even more confidence and drive this year. He is a young leader on the team and has the potential to be a front-runner, making him a valuable asset to the team. Junior Darius Butler, a top runner on the boys' team, has proven to be mentally tough in races and has the stamina and strength to push through tough obstacles. Coach Felipe Lara attributes the team's success to two key factors: consistency and fun. The team understands the importance of consistent training and discipline. This means no skipping out on any aspect of the training program, from track workouts to weight room sessions. Additionally, the team prioritizes having fun and enjoying the sport together. Running as a team, pushing each other during workouts, and having a good time while doing it is what makes this team special. To motivate their players to push themselves to their full potential, Coach Lara emphasizes building team chemistry and camaraderie. This is done through daily practices led by the team captains, and participating in invitationals and scrimmages to boost confidence and push each other on the race course.