Team

"Wow, look at them go!" I thought to myself as I watched the flash of color pass in front of me at the Regional Cross Country Meet at St. Olaf College last Saturday. "They look really good," I heard a fan around me exclaim.

Our top 7 men and top 7 women were representing Luther College in one of the biggest meets of the season. The top 2 teams from each region automatically qualify for the National Meet while some at large bids and individuals are accepted as well. This year the National Meet will also be held at St. Olaf.

Last Saturday morning most of the cross country team who wasn't racing departed from Luther at 7:45 to go cheer on our teammates. It was awesome to see everyone sporting Luther gear and getting pumped up for the races even though we weren't actually racing. When we piled out of the cars at St. Olaf, we were ready to run around the course and cheer like crazy. The anticipation was mounting as the time drew nearer to the gun going off.

As the races got underway, it appeared to be like all of our other races: a calm start before we move on up through the packs. Our runners were right together supporting each other each step of the way while the multitude of fans and alumni were loud and proud, urging on the Norse. It was great to be a part of this collective team effort.

The women had a spectacular finish: Janet Dobyns came away as the individual champion and the women's team took the 1st place trophy. The men, too, had an awesome day, coming away with the 2nd place team trophy. On to Nationals!

During the Regional Meet I was able to get a new perspective as a fan instead of a racer. It was awesome to be able to run around with countless other Luther supporters and cheer enthusiastically. It didn't matter that I wasn't racing, I still felt like a part of the team. This whole season has been amazing in that way: no matter how fast you run or what your role is on the team, you are as much a part of the team as anyone else. Everyone genuinely supports everyone else, making this team very special.

As we enter the final weekend of the season, it's great to look back on all that we've accomplished in just a few months. It's been a great blessing to be a part of Luther Cross Country and for me, it has probably been the best part about Luther College thus far. One more race, one more collective effort, and one more day of fun coming up on Saturday. Go Norse!