The Stevenson Sprint Spirits dedicate themselves to keep running even if it gets hard. They dedicated themselves to setting new personal records, keeping the mental focus, and making their coaches proud. 

Who’s running, you ask?  

Sophia Ulaj and Vanessa Ulaj both ’28 must work hard to be on the cross-country team.  

“You have to practice a lot and become better at more personal records,” Vanessa said. “I like pushing myself to new limits.”  

In short, both sisters agree that cross-country can be time consuming and draining at times. 

“It takes a lot of mental ability to keep going,” Sophia said. “You must work hard to be on the team.” 

Dedication is required to be a part of running. The team needs to devote themselves to the sport.  

David Mann ’26 in cross country and shows up for practice every single day.  

“You have to be willing to work every single day,” Mann said. “You must be willing to run even when you’re tired.”  

In addition, having a good work ethic is crucial to being able to keep going. Coach Todd Bauer said he values seeing the students grow.  

“We had a fun run one practice where the kids could do a prediction mile at practice, and the coaches joined them,” Bauer said. “I found myself getting competitive like, this kid is not going to beat me.”  

The team influences the coaches to be better.  

“They make me strive to be better,” Bauer said. “I love to see the kids work hard and improve. Especially when they come together as a team and try to encourage one another to do better.”