This year has been unusual for everyone, especially students.  With almost half of Ladue’s school year taking place virtually, students are missing out on many regular aspects of the high school experience.  No more cheering from the stands at football games, no more weaving through the crowded hallways to make it to class before the bell rings, and no more normal high school days.  Many incoming freshmen haven’t even experienced these things in order to miss them, and as they have entered their first year of high school, most do it from within their own homes.

Some freshmen however, were given the opportunity to experience one element of the normal high school experience when some fall sports practices were deemed safe to begin by the county and health officials.  Rosie Huewe was one Ladue freshman who was able to experience this when she joined the girls cross country team for their 2020 season.  

“I thought it would be a little awkward at the beginning because I feel like that’s how it is for anything that you’re new to,” Huewe said, “But I was actually able to grow really close with a lot of the girls on the team.”

Running has always been an important part of Huewe’s life.  Her mother is a long-time and avid runner, as well as head coach of the Girls on the Run program, which Huewe has taken part in and helped out with over the years.  She decided to join the cross country team after hearing positive comments about the team and its friendships.

“I heard a lot about how its really just a well knitted team and you get to know each other and make really good friendships and relationships.” Huewe said,” So I was really excited to join.”

Despite not being back to school in-person, Huewe says the team introduced her to many other girls with whom she befriended and helped to acclimate her to high school and all that it entails.  She says she and other freshmen were able to talk with and get advice from upperclassmen and other girls about classes, homework, clubs, and other issues.

“I was kind of intimidated by the thought of making friends with upperclassmen,” Huewe said, “But it really helped and I was able to meet a lot of great girls and I think it definitely helped me to be better prepared for the school year.”

Because of this unusual year, the girls cross country team had to adapt to county and district guidelines for safety.  This meant fewer meets, no pasta dinners or team gatherings, and a lot more unknowns about the season’s fate.  But despite all these difficulties, the girls cross country team was able to finish out their season, and even sent one athlete to compete in state.

“I had a lot of fun, enjoyed myself, improved my running by a lot, the teammates made me feel really welcome even though I was new,” Huewe said. “ I really enjoyed this year, I enjoyed the coaches, I enjoyed the workouts, everything I really loved.”