Have you ever wondered why people choose to do cross country? Coach John Tripp and two athletes — junior Josephine Murillo-Feria and sophomore Jessica Lara-Flores — shared their experiences and thoughts. Cross country is not only about running but also the memories shared with the team. It is not only a sport but a memorable experience.
Why should people join cross country?
Tripp: People should join cross country because it is good for your health, you will make great friends and learn an activity that people can do for the rest of their lives, and it is low-budget. We’re also very competitive in the Omaha metro.
Murillo-Feria: People should join cross country to meet new people and stay active.
Lara-Flores: People should join cross country because they will get to meet new people, make new friends, and cross country could also help you condition for sports like soccer.
How has cross country helped you as a person?
Tripp: I used to think I was better at short distances, but cross country helped me realize that I can do things I thought I could not do. It helps build self-confidence. It also helps you learn how to work as a team, how to win as a team and work together. It helped me gain leadership skills.
Murillo-Feria: Cross country has helped me as a person by teaching me not to give up once something gets harder; you have to keep going.
Lara-Flores: Cross country has helped me have a better mindset and made me more disciplined.
What is your favorite workout and why?
Tripp: My personal favorite workout would be going to a forest to run and listening to nature, not listening to a clock or GPS. As a team, the long runs at Wabash.
Murillo-Feria: My favorite workout is hills because they are difficult, but they make you stronger.
Lara-Flores: My favorite workout is hill repeats because I feel like we get a longer break after each hill.
What is your favorite part of being involved in the team?
Tripp: My favorite part of coaching is seeing faces light up when they do something they thought they could not do.
Murillo-Feria: My favorite part of being involved in the team is the friendships I have made and how supportive everyone is.
Lara-Flores: My favorite part of being involved in the team is that I am able to be involved in all the little activities that we do at meets or after practice.
What is your favorite memory of cross country 2025?
Tripp: It might be seeing Josh Torres finish a 5K at the Northwest meet.
Murillo-Feria: My favorite memory of cross country 2025 was going to Olathe, Kansas, running in the dark and getting pizza after.
Lara-Flores: My favorite memory of cross country 2025 is going to Olathe and being able to put glitter in our hair and get pizza after our race.
