Rhapsodic runners

The upcoming season is bringing optimism and ex­citement for the coach and players on the OU cross-country team.

When asked what he thought about the team and the season, head coach Kirk Wren said he was very optimistic. The team fre­quently makes it to the na­tional competitions, and he doesn’t expect this year to be any different.

Wren mentioned that he has the team doing a lot of cross-training, which are activities other than the pri­mary activity of the sport. Specifically, the team does weight lifting, biking, and swimming in addition to running for distance and speed. He noted the impor­tance of training the whole body; being ready for a race isn’t just about running.

“We’re going to be the leanest, strongest, smartest team out there,” Wren said.

The cross training is very popular with the players as well, especially the swim­ming drills. Brandon Gar­cia, a sophomore on the team, said he enjoyed the swim workout. He also was happy to have new players starting this year.

“It’s great to meet new people on the team,” Garcia said.

Tyler Hazen, freshman, also expressed a preference for the swimming workout.

“It’s tough, but I like it,” Hazen said.

Hazen did cross-country in high school as well. He felt that being on the team helps in other areas, build­ing both work ethic and character.

“If I can work this hard at cross-country I can work this hard at anything,” Ha­zen said.

Hazen was excited about the season ahead, saying he “can’t wait for the first race.”

Wren also talked about the young, confident men’s team, mostly composed of freshmen and sophomores.

“They’re not worried about any other team but us,” Wren said, while also mentioning strong senior leadership on the women’s team.

The team is hosting an alumni run, open to alumni and the community for the benefit of the cross-country team, Sept. 12. There will be awards for multiple age groups, including a stroller division and a children’s 100-yard dash, all the way up to 70 years old. Wren always enjoys the alumni runs, and he considers it a great opportunity for the current team members to meet runners from the past.

The team’s first competi­tion is Sept. 26.

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