Running in these times of COVID-19
Goshen. The pandemic cancelled the season, but not the spirit or will of the Goshen High School cross country team.
| 04 Nov 2020 | 02:46
Greg Hannibal, third from left, practicing with his Goshen High School cross country teammates at the school's track.
COVID-19 has affected athletes across the country and cancelled or delayed seasons for all sports. Goshen High School junior Greg Hannibal and his cross country teammates are among those many athletes.
“There are no official competitions, so it has been tough mentally,” Hannibal said. “Me and everyone were hoping to shine this year, but we are still training and hungry.”
Hannibal is incredibly fast. His best time for the mile is 4:32 while the average time for 16-19-year-olds is 9:34 (Healthline.com). The runner’s best time for the 800 meter race is 2:00; the world record for under 18 years old is 1:43 (WorldAthletics.org).
Since the 2020 spring track and field season was canceled, the junior has been working on his own to get better and better leading up to this. With no competitions in sight for 2020 cross country, Hannibal is just working harder.
“Though our athletes are able to exercise on their own and follow a training plan,” Coach Joseph Manaseri said, “we have only been meeting with our athletes twice a week for the past three weeks for optional off-season workouts.”
This provides, the coach said, guided training added to any personal workouts for an extra step in preparation for next season.
‘Pre-season’
“We hope to compete against other schools in Indoor Track and Field during the months December, January and February,” Manaseri said, making this cross country season more of a pre-season for indoor track and field.
These “pre-season” workouts consist of running on the Goshen High School track and around the Village of Goshen, whose streets can offer hilly challenges.
“Running allows our athletes the ability to stay in shape during difficult times,” Manaseri said. “This enhances both their physical and mental health.”
‘We have each other’
Throughout these many obstacles due to COVID-19, Goshen’s Cross Country team is pushing through.
“Getting into shape has been a challenge,” Hanninal said. “For everyone on the team, it’s been different. Some of us feel good while others not so much. But the good thing is that we have each other to push ourselves and motivate us to give it 100 percent every day.”
The expectations for next season will surely be exceeded by the cross country team and people cannot wait to watch it.
Arthur Kennedy is a member of Goshen High School’s Class of 2023.