Even though boys cross country sounds like all run and no play, the team has created fun traditions over the years. Boys cross country is a popular fall sport at Hinsdale South, notorious for its hard and grueling workouts such as mile repeats, fartleks, and tempos. However, after running, the team has many ways to celebrate.

Traditions make up a big part of the team atmosphere and make teammates feel like close friends. “Every year we go bowling as a team, we have our pasta parties, and we go to the beach”, said Noah, a junior runner.
Pasta parties happen at a runner’s house the night before a big meet. “[Pasta parties] are really fun [we] get to kinda mess around before meets, said John, a freshman runner.

On beach day, the team goes to Chicago to run on the river walk and afterwards, they play games like spike ball and volleyball. The team also has a spirit object: the boombox! “For any state qualifier, we put their sticker on the back of [the boombox]”, said Noah. In addition, athletes carry the boombox with them when they collect medals and awards.

“Helping students foster a love of a sport which I love and has continued to shape my life,” said Coach Dickerson, a coach with around 30 years of experience, when asked what favorite part about coaching is. As for traditions, his favorite is also the pasta parties. “Year to year I kind of make sure the good traditions get continued”, said Coach Dickerson.

The running portion of cross country might discourage you from joining, but many runners think differently. “[My favorite part is] definitely the camaraderie, talking to people, [and] getting to know the upperclassmen”, said John. “It helps you get fit,” said Eli, a freshman runner.

Being on the team is a good way to make friends especially as a freshman. Noah recommended cross country because “the vibes are really fun, the guys are really cool, [and] we included everybody.” In addition to giving runners a community, cross country has numerous health benefits.