It is fair to say that this Cross Country season has had its share of adversity—from wet weather and flooding to a delayed start to the school year. However, Cross Country is a sport built on hard work, discipline, and overcoming adversity, and we are proud of the resilience our Grammar girls have displayed.
It has been challenging for the girls to develop consistency with training due to the hurdles they faced along the way, including the cancellation and postponement of a number of meets; it would have been understandable for the team to lose motivation.
But the ethos of the BGGS Cross Country is ‘X-Country is a team sport’ and if one wins, we all win; if one struggles, we all build them up. This year has already tested us all—but with that test, the team, led by Captains, Poppy Gouldson (12M) and Millie Hunt (12O), has galvanised and worked harder than ever.
This season, the girls have kept their heads up and their minds on the job, turning up every morning, Monday to Friday, at 6.30 am (even earlier when I introduced burpees for those turning up late) and giving their all.
With the help of our amazing coaching team, led by Coordinator, Ms Kate McCarthy, teachers, Ms Johnson, Ms Callie, and Ms Cameron, and BGGS 2021 Graduates, Emily Sullivan, Sabine Hatzpetrou, and Annie Hill, the girls have run from West End to South Bank to Herston, and have utilised our brand-new training ground at Victoria Park Golf Course.
Sessions have been filled with hill repeats, tempo runs, speed sessions, and the famous Friday Fartlek session. Every session I have asked the girls to have fun, challenge themselves, and give me their best effort, and they have certainly done that.
One of the highlights this season was the introduction of toasties every Friday!
QGSSSA Cross Country is Saturday 14 May and is 3 km of tough racing over the course at Rivermount College, Yatala. With races starting at 8 am, we would love to see as many families, friends, and students making some serious noise as they support the girls. Please see the Cross Country Page on Minerva for more information.
No matter what happens on Saturday, the girls have proven to me, and the coaching team, that they have put themselves in a position to race their very best. For me, that is what a winning team looks like!
Mr Tim Franklin
Head Coach—BGGS Cross Country
