I would like to start off by introducing myself. I'm Madeleine Biddle, one of the senior captains for Northwest Rankin. I've been on this team since seventh grade. Six years has flown by, and I can't believe this is my last season. There is no doubt in my mind that this season will be our best so far.
Back in May, my co-captain, JJ Kaler, and I started holding summer practices to start building our mileage up. We spent the whole summer running and got up to about nine mile long runs. Now that season has started, we've been having a mix of long runs and speed workouts. Our first meet of the season was this past Saturday at Ridgeland. We ran against Madison Central and Ridgeland. Our varsity girls managed to pull out a one point win over Madison Central, which has really encouraged us to work harder this week. Our middle school girls also came in first, while both of our boys teams came in second.
This year's team is full of a lot of young and eager runners, and I have never felt closer to a group of people. My team is my family. They've been with me through the highs and the lows. I'm sadden by the fact that this will be my last season with this amazing group of people, but I know that they will forever hold a special place in my heart. We may not be the fastest team in the state. We may not win every meet, but we have the most heart. I have been honored to be on this team for six long (but short) years, and I can remember every single person who has ever been on this team whether they graduated during my first season or if they're still with me today. Every one of them has impacted my life in some way, and I will forever be grateful for them.
Here's to the beginning of the best cross country season yet. Here's to all the hard practices where we want to throw in the towel. Here's to all the sore muscles. Here's to the coaches that push us further than we think we can go. Here's to the best team I could ever ask for. I look forward to updating everyone on this year's progress.
Until next week,
Madeleine Biddle