The St. John Catholic School cross country team celebrates winning the Toronto Catholic District School Board city championship on Oct. 21 at Earl Bales Park in North York. Photo: Submitted.

By ARIANNE MUNSCH

My name is Arianne Munsch. I am a Grade 8 student at St. John Catholic School and a member of the cross country team.

This year, my last at St. John, St. John has earned the title of Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) Cross Country City Champions for the 23rd time in a row.

When I became a St. John student, three years ago in Grade 6, I immediately felt the pride around the cross country team. Being a new student at a school is intimidating, but the runners and coaches are kind and supportive, which helped me feel welcome at the school.

Starting on Sept, 10 this year, St. John students trained for cross country everyday at lunch and after school, running hills, workouts and distances of one kilometre, two kilometres, three kilometres and more. This year we had 115 students running everyday from the third day of school until Oct. 21.

We trained every day, to get not only faster but stronger too. The school spent week after week training, and then finally it was our school meet.

Each year the season begins with the St. John Eagles Classic, at Ted Reeve park. This year it was held on Sept. 28, with 148 students competing.

There were students from every grade from two to eight trying their hardest to get a spot in the meet against other schools. This is a great way to kick off the year, with all the students, parents, coaches and teachers cheering on all the runners.

On Oct. 6, St. John sent a team of 96 runners to compete at the divisional meet at Earlscourt Park. The team was pumped to go and run our first race against other schools. We had so many students display incredible individual performances as well as many great age group team finishes with St. John being the overall Team Champion of the event.

From the Divisionals, 81 runners advanced to the regionals at Earlscourt Park, which took place on Oct. 16. Our runners had another strong showing with many medalists and great races, with St. John being the overall Team Champion again.

St. John then had 50 runners advance to the final stage of the season, the TCDSB Cross Country City Championships, which were held on Oct. 21 at Earl Bales Park in North York.

The whole team was so excited and we all cheered for our teammates as loud as we could.

We had many age group awards at the City Championships along with the Overall Team Championship:

-Silver Grade 2-3 boys

-Silver Grade 2-3 girls

-Silver Grade 5 boys

-Silver Grade 7 girls

-Silver Grade 8 boys

-Bronze Grade 6 girls

-Bronze Grade 7 boys

We also had several students with Top 10 finishes:

-Arianne M. 1st Place Grade 8 girls

-Sam T. 2nd Place Grade 2-3 boys

-Tyler A. 5th Place Grade 8 boys

-Olivia P. 8th Place Grade 7 girls

-Rose E. 9th Place Grade 4 girls

With St. John going three-for-three across all meets, it was a very successful season.

When we were announced as city champions at Earl Bales, the school erupted in cheering and yelling! All I could help but think was how lucky I have been to be a part of this team for the past three years.

Our school puts in so much work into our sport and the dedication and commitment of the team has truly blown me away.

As I complete my final year with school, I will take with me the pride, discipline, being a team player, and the fun that comes with being a part of the St. John Cross Country Team.

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