Cross Country: Rain Banks

What do you enjoy about cross country? I love the feeling of accomplishment after each run. The “Wow, I just did that!” feeling. What I also love about being on the cross country team is getting to be part of the great chemistry we all share. It isn’t even just within our own team, it is between every school that participates. Every school is just so nice to each other, and it’s because we all understand just how hard it is to play the sport, so we respect one another’s accomplishments. 

How long have you been running? In fifth grade I ran in a small race and I did a really great job, so the sport caught my attention. Then one of the coaches encouraged me to join the team in sixth grade, and so I have been running for four years since then. I am excited to continue being part of the team until I graduate. 

Describe one of your best moments in athletics. Last year when I found out I would be running in the state championships. I was so happy. It was a great experience getting to run in the race. It was so much different than what I am used to running in, because it was in Northern Florida, so it was much cooler and we were running through woods. It was super memorable especially because I hit a new PR (personal record). Coach James Murphy says … “Die Now!” Which really is important in every race that I run. It is like a trigger word. When he yells this out it means the race is almost over, so I need to give it my all. I know after hearing this that the faster I go, the faster I will be done. I am in the make-or-break moment.


Marathon High School’s Cassie Brezil shows good form in the weight room. CALLA JIMENEZ/ Contributed

MHS girls’ weightlifting is underway

On Oct. 6, the Lady Fins weightlifting team officially began its season with an even larger turnout than last year. This year about 40 strong, female athletes are training and working out four to five times a week. 

Coach Jessie Schubert said, “I love the energy from the girls so far. I can tell that those who were on the team last year are already using what they’ve learned and it’s going to pay off.” He also said that the new girls are giving it 100% and learning more in every session. 

Due to the COVID-19 guidelines, and risks involved with traveling, the first half of the season will be completely virtual. That means the teams will compete in the school weight room and the action will be streamed live for the competing teams to view. The first virtual meet will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 4. 

Some of the stronger and larger schools have opted out of competition this year, and so the state series has changed. Marathon High School’s district competition consists of four Miami schools, plus Key West and Coral Shores High Schools. 

Two girls from each weight class will qualify for the district championships. This allows for a maximum of the top 20 participants to advance into the postseason. 

The Lady Fins have several returning faces this year, including Rylan Chapa, Cassie Brezil and Sarah Kratzert.

“They have really taken to the sport and helped push us to our first district championship win last year,” said Schubert of the three.

There are high hopes for the team this year, too, if not even better, especially considering the number of new girls joining the team and filling in all the weight classes.