The Loyola cross country team got off to an early start and hasn’t slowed down since.

Coach Andy Canegitta hopes that summer training will make the difference in the long run.

Team captain Elizabeth Gienger said the summer workouts set the tone for the year.

“If you don’t have a strong base to start off the season, you won’t be able to handle the mileage,” Grienger said.

Annie Hills, general studies junior, agrees that even in the offseason it’s important to stay in shape.

“Three months is a long time to go without running,” Hills said.

Although new to the Wolf Pack, Hills has previous college cross country experience and is aware of the sportsmanship it requires.

“Camaraderie is a large part of cross country because we all have the same goal of being successful in our races, so we work together to accomplish those goals,” Hills said.

The team has four meets left in which Coach Canegitta’s expectation is to improve on last season’s team average time. Gienger hopes the team will make it to Nationals.

“The times for our first race were not where everyone wanted to be, but it’s only the beginning of the season so there’s lots of time for improvement,” Gienger said.

Despite the team’s disappointment in the first meet, Coach Canegitta said training is going well.

“We have three quality days, so our legs can be comfortable running fast,” Canegitta said.

According to Coach Canegitta, the biggest challenge for the cross country team this year is staying healthy. With practice six days a week, there is a high risk for sustaining injuries, Canegitta said. If Loyola’s cross country team can avoid visits to the trainer and doctor’s office, it should shape up to be a promising season.

Elysia Pendezec can be reached at [email protected]