Libby runners reaching mid-season form

The Libby cross country team’s numbers may be low, but they have a strong sense of comradery.

While the Libby cross country team hasn’t had any team numbers, head coach Rodd Zeiler said their biggest strength is the team spirit from the runners.

“Our strength right now is our comradery,” Zeiler said. “In cross country especially, you have to put yourself through an excruciatingly amount of pain, and in order to get through that wall and adrenaline is to have a team that’s supporting you, and we have that.”

Zeiler said that the team has had a consistent showing so far, with runners making improvements through the year. According to him, some of the cross country girl runners started off with times of 30 minutes that have gone down the low 20s. Currently, the boys are going in and out of 18- to 19-minute times, but Zeiler is looking to get them down to the 17-minute mark.

One of the difficulties the coach has faced is the number of injuries and illnesses his team members have gone through.

“We’ve had a number of people getting sick and injuries and a lack of runners so that’s tough,” Zeiler said. “As a team, numbers and getting past the injuries has really been our Achilles heel.”

Zeiler said that they’re adding more people as they go.

“Our numbers are low, but we’re adding new people left and right,” Zeiler said. “Our seniors graduated, so I’m trying to get freshmen to come out.”

Zeiler said that the junior high is having a fantastic year so far.

“I’m really hoping for the junior high program to get going, I want the kids to see that sense of accomplishment that cross county provides. I’m really hoping to reach a lot of people, and to reach young kids and families to encourage the sport of running.”

The team, Zeiler said, needs to put in more time work-out wise, but some of the team members have many different commitments, such as soccer and other sports.

The Logger cross country squad heads to Missoula this weekend; the event begins at 9 a.m.

Reporter Bethany Rolfson may be reached at 293-4124 or by email at Reporter@TheWesternNews.com.