Elkhart Cross Country 2016
Elkhart Cross Country Seeks to Continue Run of Success
By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter
ELKHART – In the sport of cross country running, the Elkhart Elks and Lady Elks have had quite the run of success. The program has consistently placed runners/teams in both the state and regional meets and hopes are high this year for continued postseason accomplishments.
Led by Coach Kodi Huff, the Elks and Lady Elks have been hitting the cross country courses and trails around Elkhart every morning since Aug. 1 and look to be rounding into shape as their first meet approaches on Sept. 3 in Nacogdoches.
Before the first meet, Coach Huff discussed the program’s success, her philosophies on coaching and what she hopes to see from her runners this year.
She said while she doesn’t run anymore, she “… started running in junior high but I did not really start liking it until I went to college. Now, I bike and try to do that five or six days a week for at least an hour.”
As to who she has returning to the cross country teams this year, the coach said, “Returning for the boys’ team we have William Chicas, Andi Chicas, Josh Lawson, Zack Fogle, and Brady Johnson. On the girls’ team, we have Melanie Barnett, Monique Ashford, and Makayla Walker.”
Huff said a typical practice for the cross country teams involves stretching for about 10 minutes and then, “… depending upon the day we either do long distance, middle distance or sprints. We usually run for about an hour and my runners run around 15 to 20 miles a week.”
When asked what her expectations for this year’s teams were, she replied, “I want the kids to do the best they possibly can. I expect each team to return to regionals and hopefully make it to state.”
A key to the program’s success was consistency, which was echoed throughout the cross country discussion.
“I talk to my runners about drinking lots of water and avoiding soft drinks. They hate to hear it but I tell them that daily. I believe that being consistent with student athletes is the best policy. I talk to them about grades coming first. Hard work pays off in the classroom and on the cross country course. Most of the parents have the same expectations I have when it comes to what we expect the runners to do. Parents are there to encourage their student athlete to succeed. It is my job to push them and get them where they can be successful. I believe in being consistent and fair to each athlete, as well as showing them respect. In return, they will show you respect. You should never give up and never quit.”
The high school and middle school teams cross country teams begin competition on Sept. 3 at SFASU – Pecan Park. The next week on Sept. 10, the Elkhart high school cross country teams travel to SHSU – Kate Barr Ross Park for a meet.
On Sept. 17, the high school and middle school teams will compete at the Teague Meet at Teague High School. On Sept. 24, the high school and middle school teams will compete at the Palestine Meet at Story Elementary.
On Sept. 28, the high school and middle school teams will stay at home for the Elkhart Meet at Elkhart High School.
As October rolls around the high school cross country team will compete at the Lindale Meet at the Garden Valley Golf Course on Oct. 6. The district meet will be back in Elkhart on Oct. 18 for both the high school and middle school teams. The Regional Meet will be held on Oct. 29 at Kate Barr Ross Park in Huntsville. And on Nov. 12, the State Meet will be held at Round Rock High school.
