Reaching for the 3,000 mile mark

Some people look at running as a necessary evil, or a way to get to or from something quickly.

A group of students at Sidney High School and Middle School run because they enjoy the activity and their time with the team.

As a result, the team has recorded nearly 3,000 miles since June 26.

"So far, our team has logged 2,727 miles," coach Donna Weideburg said Wednesday, Aug. 2.

The team's top performers include four returning this year as state qualifiers and letter winners. Returning this year are senior Kara Birner, senior Emma Tuzicka, senior Kylie Rosdail, and junior Collin Brower.

Of the 2,700 miles, junior Collin Brower is leading the summer with 252 miles.

Also among the top performers are eighth grade runners Mitch Deer and Tre Canas.

While many athletes view running as a part of training, these cross country performers see running as a community of common interest, almost a family in how members relate to each other.

"The environment is great. We're like a little family," Kara Birner said.

Emma Tuzicka affirmed Birner's view of the cross country program.

"It is very welcoming," she said. "Everyone is welcome to join. It is not just getting in shape. It is about the relationships, the benefits."

She added it was nice earning a first place as well.

Tuzickia started running to stay in shape. She admits she is very competitive and made it to state in her first year.

"I think I run just to better myself," she said.

Brower said he was "thrown into it" and "ended up really liking it."

"I feel like I really connect to God with it. He's blessing me with what I have," he said.

He says in his running he is creating a master piece that glorifies God.

Kylie Rosdail agreed with the family qualify of the program, the primary reason she is on the team.

She said on the hard days, there is support and on the better days the support continues.

The eighth grade runners expect to continue competing in high school.

Sidney's cross country program has 95 students among five teams. Each coach has students assigned to them, according to Weideburg. She said there is also a peer coaching relationship between the junior and senior runners and the younger students.