The cross country team had an impressive performance at the Madison Invitational on Sept. 29.

Nearly 90% of the team obtained new personal records.

Some of the first male Beachwood runners to cross the finish line included junior Joe Spero at 18.34, freshman Greg Perryman at 18.54, junior Zyad Shehadeh at 19.00 and senior Matt Friedman 19.20.

The team’s top female finishers included sophomore Emily Isaacson at 21.40, sophomore Jessica Monahan at 23.01, sophomore Somin Jung at 24.28, junior Athena Grasso 24.28.

“The course was really smooth, and I think that the teammates definitely help to push each other,” junior Joe Spero said.  “And the boys varsity team is really special to me because we have a bond when we are running.”

A typical workout on the cross country team consists of rigorous mileage, ranging anywhere from two to eight miles, six days a week.

“Practice can be physically challenging, but really fun,” freshman Vidula Jambunath said.

“As long as you push yourself, you can make it work,” said senior Jing-Jing Shen.

Many cross country athletes are also ambitious students with multiple AP classes, and they face the difficult task of balancing strenuous workouts with a rigorous academic schedule.

After an intense workout, runners may require 24 hour rest before meets and icing of muscles at night.

The team’s support and care for each other is “beyond powerful,” sophomore runner Emma Joo said.

“It feels more like a team effort, and you can be mentored more,” she said.

Joo says cross country helps her gradually become more active for swimming season.

“We are always looking to improve, looking ahead for another teammate with a bison jersey to keep up with. Some say it’s not a team sport, but the team aspect of cross-country is huge,” Spero said.

The team competes Tuesday, Oct. 2nd at the George Gross 49th Annual at Cuyahoga Heights.

The District tournament will be Oct. 20 at Madison High School.