End of Summer Reflection

It looks like our school sanctioned portion of summer training is complete and I could not have wished for a better one. From my first week of 30 minute runs to the workout at the Indiana dunes, I have witnessed an immense change in the culture of the the LWN cross country team. A new sense of team commitment has embodied all that we have done this summer and I couldn't be prouder. 

My fellow teammates and I know that it takes a lot to be part of this new found drive for greatness. Waking up at 6 o'clock most days to get up and run miles upon miles is no easy task to ask of anyone let alone a group of high-schoolers that want to enjoy their summer. But none the less we took that small step and ran with it (pun intended). I love to see all of us push through the hard workouts and do what we need to do to get ourselves into great shape for this season.

There were a few moments from this summer that I would like to highlight that show all the hard work we have put in. To begin, the first workout of the summer got us off to a great start and propelled us forward to many more successful workouts. Next was the dedication that was shown by those who kept up the hard work over the 4th of July break. Thirdly, was obviously when Kraven dropped the hammer and lastly was the string of great workouts during our official camp. Not enough can be said about our mental toughness for getting up the Blackwell and Indiana Dune hills after we had just ran a hard workout. I believe in doing that we gained not only physical victories but mental ones as well.

Climbing up those hills also served as a symbol for what it takes to reach the top of the standings as a cross country team in Illinois. Coach Purdom has said many times, "I want us to put Lincoln-Way North on the map." Through all of our hard work in the summer I believe we have put ourselves in a good position to achieve that goal. I also believe we can surpass that goal and shock a lot of people this season. The running culture we are building here at LWN is truly something to behold.

Now that we have a week or so away from camp I ask you all to keep up the hard work even though our coaches will not be around. Remember that now you can cross streets so it is actually a blessing of convenience in a way. So continue to run together and prepare for what we are going to unleash this season. Great job guys.

Demetri Panici