Over 30 high school cross country teams competed at Forest Park’s annual Cross Country Festival Saturday, Sept. 9th. One of the largest meets in the area, teams from all over St. Louis, St. Charles, south Missouri and even Indiana and Illinois were present.

Ladue’s cross country team did exceptionally well in the meet, according to head coach Nicholas Buckvar. 

“The varsity boys all ran either personal bests or season bests,” Buckvar said. “They finished 10th as a team, which out of a field of almost 30 teams was really solid. The JV girls finished second place [in their division], and the JV boys also had a lot of PRs and season bests as well.”

According to Buckvar, Ladue’s cross country team faces unique challenges this year. 

“Because we have so many new kids, combined with the fact that we are combining the boys and girls into one program this year, my hope this year is that, most importantly, we’re building a culture of cross country that is fun, that kids want to be a part of, and that this will then lead to success on the course and running fast times and being competitive,” Buckvar said.

The emphasis this year is on creating a friendly culture in cross country, and its positive effects have not gone unnoticed by the runners. Junior Douglas Brown, varsity cross country runner, expressed this.

“It’s as much of an individual sport as it is a team sport,” Brown said. “There’s a great sense of community, the people in it are all very supportive [and] you run as a team but there’s also the individual aspect of improving your own times. I think, unlike in a lot of other sports, as a group of people we’re much more connected, much more social.”

Brown joined cross country in his sophomore year, after becoming disinterested with his previous sport, soccer.

“I feel that I did really well on Saturday,” Brown said. “My pacing got better, mile-split-wise, and then I also [got a personal record]. My goals this season may be a little outlandish, but because my new best time is now 19:41, trying to get below 19 or at least low 19s would be cool.”

Despite only beginning to run cross country recently, it has quickly become Brown’s favorite sport.

“Just do it,” Brown said. “Try it. It’s unique.”