Alexandria Senior HS XC teams compete in LHSAA 5A Cross Country Meet
ALEXANDRIA, La. — Setting goals is key to reaching higher outcomes and for Coach Carl Rudd, a goal is what drives him through tough training practices with his cross-country team.
鈥淪ummer miles bring fall smiles,鈥� Rudd says.
For the first time in Alexandria Senior High School鈥檚 history, both the boys and girls team had the opportunity to compete in the LHSAA 5A Cross Country Meet.
Rudd鈥檚 goal was to get both the boys and girls teams to state within five years of taking over the team. Following their stellar performance at the regional meet in Ruston in early November; that goal was met in four years. The boys climbed from 10th place to 5th place, and the girls rose from 7th to 3rd. The top eight teams in the region qualify for state.
鈥淚 coach high-quality student athletes. They focus on both athletic and academic performance. They鈥檙e focused on doing well and they know they鈥檙e held accountable,鈥� Rudd says. He also notes that the parental support he receives makes 鈥渁ll the difference鈥� in how successful the program is. 鈥淥ur parents are flexible and willing to prioritize practices,鈥� Rudd says.
Junior Raegan Monroe has made strides this season as one of the top runners on the team. 鈥淭he level of competition the team has run against and the fact that both teams made it to state is very special,鈥� Monroe says.
Training for cross country involves interval training blended with longer runs to increase endurance and speed. The team runs across Cenla, from Compton Park to Lake Buhlow.
鈥淚 think it鈥檚 important to keep training fresh, and that can cultivate a long-term love of running as an adult after high school,鈥� Rudd says.
In addition to merely training, Rudd strives to weave life lessons in his leadership. 鈥淥ur edge comes from how mentally tough the runners are. They鈥檝e really bought into pushing themselves and each other through tough workouts.鈥�
This toughness has translated into victories at races.
Running requires discipline, focus and grit; attributes that can positively impact a student on the trail or in the classroom. For the ASH Cross Country team, reaching new heights as competitors has marked this historical season.
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