By: Adam Freeman
Estoria Chase, Junior
What motivated you to join the cross-country team, and how long have you been running?
I started track my 8th grade year as a sort of way to stay active and get faster before soccer season started, and then I did track in 9th grade and XC in 10th. I joined the XC team because I liked the long-distance aspect of track and wanted to continue that.
Can you describe your typical training routine during the season?
Typically, we do static stretches and do a short warm-up run followed with more stretching. Depending on the day, we usually run the course once for speed work or twice at a slower pace. After, we do a cool-down run and stretch.
What do you find most challenging about cross-country running?
Personally, the most challenging part of XC is how different every course is (which is also a reason I love it because it makes things exciting), but sometimes you don’t really know what you’re getting into, which can be very stressful.
How do you mentally prepare for a race?
Before I race, I try to just take deep breaths and tell myself it’s just putting one foot in front of the other. I think that as long as I try my hardest and push myself, no matter what place or time I get, I still try to be happy and proud of it.
Which course has been your favorite to run on, and why?
If I had to choose one, it would probably be the Braxton course. It starts out pretty rough, going up and down through a field and then a BIG uphill, but after that it’s just a winding downhill, which is very fun to stride on and catch your breath for most of the way back before a big finish. They also have a really cool live footage setup, which I think is fun so your family and everyone can watch it, and the people who make that possible seem very nice.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or traditions that help you focus?
Last season before every race I would kind of just go in my own head and try to imagine the entire course to prepare myself for when I would really have to push myself. After that, me and the two other girls I raced with would pray and then line up.
Do you have a particular pre-race meal you like before a race?
Honestly no, I try to eat a lot of carbs the night before and hydrate as much as possible. Then the day of I have a light breakfast with a lot of fruit.
What other sports do you participate in?
Track
What was your most memorable race experience so far?
Cross country states of 2025. I ran the entire race with a really sweet girl. The entire time we just motivated each other to try to stay with each other and make sure no one was catching up. I think it definitely helped me and calmed me because having someone there kept me present. At the end she did outkick me, but it’s really not something I am mad about because she totally deserved that!
What are your plans following your time at Tucker County High School?
After high school I plan to go to college to become a physical therapist! I will most likely go to WVU. I am very excited to stay in an environment that helps athletes and everyone recover and strengthen their bodies!
Draven Bunnell, Junior
What motivated you to join the cross-country team, and how long have you been running?
I like this sport very much. I have been running since last year.
Can you describe your typical training routine during the season?
I typically work on running mileage and try to even out the amount of easy days and hard days.
What do you find most challenging about cross-country running?
The most challenging part of XC is the mental battle before, during, and after the race. It’s a sport that is 90% mental and 10% physical.
How do you mentally prepare for a race?
I mentally prepare for a race by warming up separately from the group and listening to music that puts me in a hopeful mood.
Which course has been your favorite to run on, and why?
Last year, my favorite courses were Keyser, East Fairmont, and Saint Mary’s.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or traditions that help you focus?
Listening to music and spending prep time alone helps me focus more and be less nervous before a race.
Do you have a particular pre-race meal you like before a race?
Anything light on the stomach. Crackers, granola bars, cookies, etc.
What other sports do you participate in?
Track
What was your most memorable race experience so far?
The state championship of last year’s season holds a very special place for me. Finishing a sports season is such a rewarding and memorable feeling.
What are your plans following your time at Tucker County High School?
I have not fully decided yet. Potentially go to college for track or XC if possible.
Liam Gilligan, Junior
What motivated you to join the cross-country team, and how long have you been running?
What motivated me to run cross-country was seeing people I’ve run with in the past go out for it and not thinking it was a bad idea, and I have been running cross-country for three years.
Can you describe your typical training routine during the season?
My typical routine for running is, if we don’t have practice or if it’s the weekends, I usually run about 3 to 4 miles.
What do you find most challenging about cross-country running?
Myself. In a race, when you’re surrounded and can barely hold on, all you have is yourself, and sometimes on the last mile or last hill or stretch, you will try to stop yourself.
How do you mentally prepare for a race?
I mentally prepare by just not thinking about it that much.
Which course has been your favorite to run on, and why?
My favorite course to run on is probably Frankfort, and it’s my favorite course because most of the race, if not all, is all in the woods and on trails.
Do you have any pre-race rituals or traditions that help you focus?
Not really. I just usually do a light stretch before and try to not think about it too much.
Do you have a particular pre-race meal you like before a race?
Anything that builds strength and stamina will do.
What other sports do you participate in?
I participate in baseball during the spring.
What was your most memorable race experience so far?
My most memorable experience was at last year’s states, when I was one of the kids out of four in both Single A and Double A to PR.
What are your plans following your time at Tucker County High School?
My plans for this school year are just to be myself, not care what others think or say, and just stay true to myself and be myself because most of the time, you’re only going to have yourself. Inspirational quote time, “Sometimes you’ll have to clean your picture to see yourself and how far you’ve come.”
Juniper Judy, Sophomore
What motivated you to join the cross-country team, and how long have you been running?
Going into my third year of running. I decided to join cross country since I have really found enjoyment in longer distances and already really enjoy trail running by myself.
Can you describe your typical training routine during the season?
N/A
What do you find most challenging about cross-country running?
N/A
How do you mentally prepare for a race?
Tell myself it’ll be over after I do it.
Which course has been your favorite to run on, and why?
N/A
Do you have any pre-race rituals or traditions that help you focus?
No.
Do you have a particular pre-race meal you like before a race?
Peanut butter crackers.
What other sports do you participate in?
Track
What was your most memorable race experience so far?
N/A
What are your plans following your time at Tucker County High School?
I’m not sure.