AT CAMP WITH THE CROSS COUNTRY TEAM

The Elkmont Cross Country team has gotten back from their annual "before school" team training camp in the beautiful hills of Tennessee.  Lots of fun, team bonding and running up and down hills.  This is a big reason by Elkmont has an excellent cross country team.

Coach Barry Pugh, their fearless leader, brings lots of infectious enthusiasm to camp as he pushes them along (notice the last runner in the yellow shirt in the top picture).  Special thanks goes to the parents and other adults that helped the cross country team have a great time.   

The Hill Spirit loves to read Coach Pugh's posts.. You can't help but smile.

Camp according to Coach Pugh:
We had a great week at XC camp this year. The weather was hot and steamy with high humidity levels. We started every day with a 5 mile run at 7 that consisted of an out and back course of hills throughout the paved trails. The mid morning run started at 11 am and we did a run/walk for 3 miles on the waterfall trail. This trail is very challenging. Two very steep hills and many ups and downs crossing creeks and navigating tree roots. After a dip in this cold waters of the creek to relieve muscle pain, we rested until 5 pm and ran the 5 mile course again. We totaled 50 miles! It was a great week of exercise and team bonding. We are looking forward to a great year!"

"As I was uploading these pics I get a little sentimental realizing that I have 6 seniors on the team. Camp is such a great experience and one I hope the runners will always remember. These kids are a great group whose talents far exceed just the quickness of their feet. I am privileged to get to be a part of it! Time is passing on and I can't help but look at these pictures and wonder if in 20 years there will be a team with a coach standing there who is as proud as I am! This is THEIR time and am going to make sure they give it their all! A great way to start my school year!"

"EHS cross country has consistently been a contender. We have had athletes qualify for state meets since we started in 2006 . Last year the boys were 3a section 3 champions and the girls were the runner up in this section. Both teams qualified for state. These kids represent our school with great determination and success. They are working hard to repeat their success and do better. I love Elkmont High and I love that I get to coach a team that represents it so well."