The DIS cross country teams traveled to International School of Busan (ISB) to compete in the season’s first SKAIS divisionals on Sept. 27. Despite the hot weather and unexpected detours along the course, many runners achieved remarkable results.
Compared to last year, the team faced limited practice sessions due to school events, breaks and poor weather. “There were not enough practices, but we worked outside of school and individually to achieve our goals,” said sophomore Yeonhoo Park.
Despite the challenges, the meet successfully kicked off with the elementary division. As the whistle blew, the youngsters took their marks and launched into their three-kilometer race with energy and focus.
In the boys division, fifth grader Yoon Cho claimed first place, followed by fourth grader Jason Lee in second. For girls, third grader Isabel Kim earned third place. “I think I kept my pace really well. Even if I was tired, I kept trying my best so that I could improve my skills. I was really happy and my friends all cheered me. I want to do better in finals because I am more used to the Bongmu Lake track than other students,” Cho said.
Next up, the middle school round tackled a five kilometer course. Veterans and newcomers pushed themselves with high hopes. “It was fun but it was really hard because I’ve never been to ISB before, [and] the route was unfamiliar to me. It was so hot. I think I want to do better in KISAC and earn a medal,” sixth grader Allison Lee said.
Right after the middle schoolers, the high school runners hit the trail. While they maintained a steady pace through half of the race, some strayed from the route and struggled to return to the original track. “I was running third and the first place [runner] went the wrong way and I just followed them and [we] got lost together. We had to stop for about 3 minutes when we were more than half completed. Mentally, I was tired,” senior Andy Kang said.
Nevertheless, Kang’s incident didn’t impact the day and did not gain traction with directors. “There are no official reports of the boys losing their way on the track. I think ISB did a great job running the meet and organizing it,” Coach Coleman said.
Despite the confusion, many athletes broke their personal records, pushing their limits both physically and mentally. “I think I did good but in the end I could have done better. I feel happy because I really tried hard during the race and it paid off. I hope to get first place at the KISAC tournament,” said sophomore Jason McAteer. Building on his fourth place finish last year, he placed third and secured the top record (21:48) among the DIS boys team.
“The philosophy around cross country is that winning is not always beating other people. [Since] running is an individual sport, it is more about personal growth and setting goals for yourself. I think everyone achieved this goal, so I am really happy and relieved,” elementary coach Spaeth said.
The middle and high school teams look forward to reaching new milestones in their upcoming KISAC tournament. “I’m really excited. It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m hoping everyone can have new PRs and hope everyone enjoys running. I just want everyone to say that they have tried their best,” said coach Coleman.
