Alex Perry attends Arizona Lutheran Academy (ALA) and is a member of the AIA's Student SID program. 

WHAT’S NEW?

New coach, Ben Priebe, will be assisting the returning coach, Mish Aleisa, and is “a great choice for the team,” according to many. Although he was not running-focused as a young man, Mr. Priebe looks forward to the challenge and can’t wait to dive straight in with the rest of the team. Coach Aleisa, who is beginning his fourth year as head coach, had many compliments when we talked about the new coach. Coach Priebe is steadfast, provides spiritual counsel, and helps the team grow in their faith and companionship. Our athletic director, Mr. Peter, advised him to help with Cross Country, and he is the perfect fit and enjoys coaching a ton. Coach Priebe stated, “Even though running was not my passion, I’ve really enjoyed working with the Cross Country team!”

The new head captains were elected and look to be ready for everything! They are exemplary young men and women who can take charge and guide their younger classmates to success. Not only are they good guides but they are also formidable runners themselves. Cross country may be a sport where each member gets soloed out, but the captains are perfect for welcoming new-comers and encouraging everyone to improve and reach new heights. They will surely make the Coyote nation proud!

The entire team is also respectable in many aspects. The team boasts seven promising new athletes who are making their “debut” this year. The sophomore and junior runners are ready to pounce on every opportunity to grow and improve, to show that they are strong, and make their presence known. There are many to look out for and watch their progress, but there is a general agreement on one person: Sam Jacobson. He is a returning sophomore who has shown his running prowess and displays a great work ethic at both meets and practices. Though he may be in the spotlight for now, that does not mean the rest of the team is any less fierce. They will all get the chance to prove themselves at their first in-person meet on October 1, the Desert Twilight.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT?

COVID-19 is the bane of fall sports. This affliction has delayed and affected the Cross Country season to an alarming amount. A typical schedule would include September races, but this year our team is participating in weekly virtual meets instead. The team is still hoping to attend at least two live meets, but that remains to be seen. The season looks entirely different for our seniors, but that hasn’t stopped them as they keep improving and keep great attitudes.

WHAT’S GOOD ABOUT ALL THIS?

The coaches are finding some good in this. They see that even though it is later, now it’s cooler on runs, and with virtual events, athletes don’t need to rush out of school early to be on time at a remote location. Then there are the benefits of building relationships. Each kid is building friendships each day with each and every person on the team. No one gets excluded, everyone feels welcomed and encouraged to leave their comfort zone and learn new names of their companions.

I can’t help but be excited for what is to come and can’t wait to see the new bounds the ALA team will leap to. The team is readying themselves. Now all we can do is watch and enjoy the show.