In the sport of cross country, hard work throughout the year is what separates the runners in the Fall. For the Windsor cross country team, the runners are hopeful that their hard work will pay off at districts this Saturday at Cape Notre Dame.

In a district with teams such as Festus, Ste. Genevieve, Potosi and Herculaneum, it is arguably the most difficult district in the state.

Head coach John Leech is proud of the way his runners competed and the way his seniors have led the team by example this season.

According to Leech, the seniors were very dependable. Sadly, two key runners were injured during the season, so unfortunately seniors Josh Sarette and Chris Schultheis will not be able to compete in districts.

Leech said, “On the guys side, we rely a lot on our seniors, Anthony Bringaze is one our seniors that has done well. Jared Allen and Caleb Baker, they lead by working hard and always being there when we need them to be there.”

While most of the athletes are pleased with their season thus far, there is still work to be done.

“(The season) went pretty well for me. I beat all of my previous times from last year, and I medaled once this year, too, so I’m pretty happy with it.”

Baker’s personal record in the 5K (5 Kilometers or 3.1 miles) was 21:15 which he’s been rigorously trying to beat. Baker said his goal in districts is to beat running mate Jared Allen’s time.

Coach Leech’s expectations are pretty high and for good reason.

Leech said, “We’ve been down to Cape Notre Dame earlier this season. Of the eleven runners that are competing in districts, 6 of them set PR’s (personal records) there earlier in the season and we fully expect them to do the same again.”

In many ways,  success in cross country is defined by hard work, dedication and the love of running, and it seems these runners display those unique qualities.

Baker said, “My favorite thing about cross country is that you get to run with your friends; it’s not the most serious sport out there, but it’s competitive if you want it to be”