By Adam Zeisel
Perhaps you’ve seen us before: a sea of colors, drenched in sweat, pounding the pavement on the streets of Boston. We gather together when most people are winding down their days to partake in an activity made popular to our generation by a guy named “Gump.” We are the Northeastern men’s and women’s cross-country teams — and yes, we run.
We push the body past limits that, arguably, only few other sports demand. Through it all, we are constantly taking strides to get better. John L. Parker Jr., author of “Once a Runner,” referred to running as “trials of miles.” For us, it’s a journey of 14 men, 18 women and a committed coach coming together as a family to bring honor and pride back to the Huskies’ distance programs.
To guide us in the right direction, coach Sherman Hart brought back Scott Wiznaskas. A product of the Husky running program, Wiznaskas was recently entrusted with re-structuring the cross-country programs. Doing this would help make two, already established America East Conference champion track programs even more prepared to compete at the national level.
Hart’s sentiments about Wiznaskas’ capabilities are already being shared by all members of the team. Emily Watson, co-captain for the women’s squad, feels: “The team is really confident about the workouts and techniques that Scott is having us focus on. I think that everyone, both on the team and outside of it, is encouraged by how we’ve raced so far this season, and is excited to see how we perform when it really counts.”
Runners’ times are improving, injuries are decreasing, and, most importantly from my standpoint, everyone is smiling. We are smiling for a common purpose and a sense of belonging to a family, rich with a tradition for winning.
To continue the winning ways you don’t need to look much further than the present. On both squads freshmen have embraced their new home and brought with them the heart and determination that our teams need in order to grow. The resurgence of energy and commitment to the success of both programs have invigorated the others, especially the upperclassmen who have taken on more leadership roles.
“We have put a lot of effort into this season,” said Amy Hicks, co-captain of the women’s squad. “We trained a lot over the summer, made goals for the season and now we are just making sure everything is fine-tuned come championship time.”
The men’s and women’s desires to succeed are never more evident than the hours spent on the roads and through the trails. However, without the support of our Husky family, which extends across sports, alumni and staff, this program will never reach it’s maximum potential. So, come support a program on the rise because no matter the jersey, we’re all family.
— Adam Zeisel is a junior business major and co-captain of the cross-country team.
