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Cross country athletes continue tradition of running in game ball

Cross country athletes will run ball into scrimmage

(August 23 , 2018 – By Heather Jordan)

RunningFollowing in last year’s footsteps, the high school cross country team will bring the football scrimmage game ball to CJ Hamilton Field on Friday, Aug. 24. Starting a little before 6 p.m., the relay will begin at the Shawnee County Fire District #1, Station #62, at 2335 NW Landon Rd.

High school runners will run in one mile intervals with a partner and pass the ball onto the next pair, continuing until they arrive at the football field just before 7 p.m. The relay route goes south on Landon Rd., to Lower Silver Lake Rd., west to Huxman Rd., north to 21st, west to Chilson Rd., then north past Lyons Park and will follow Highway 24 into Silver Lake to the football field.

Kevin Brokaw, head cross country coach, said friends, family, and other supporters are welcome to encourage runners along the route. He explained why he started this event last year.

“I think that it is a good team building activity, whereas all of the runners are working together to accomplish a common goal and are having fun. It also allows the parents and community to see them in their element - to see them have fun. I think this tradition brings a bit of attention to the program,” Brokaw said.

MapWhen the last pair enters the stadium, the entire cross country team will do a lap around the track before they hand the ball over to Head Football Coach CJ Hamilton.

High school cross country runners include Seniors Jason Schroeder and Caleb Kats; Juniors Grace North and Gabe TenEyck; Sophomores Aubrey Bahner, Broden Call, Mary Kate Gerber, Kristen Rakestraw, Anna Ruby, and Blake Wende; and Freshmen Peyton Campidilli, Isaac Mountain, Carter Seth, and Cameron TenEyck.