While the Clarkston Everest Collegiate Cross Country program is only five years old, the tradition of the alumni returning to run with the team is an important part of the fall season.
“Despite conflicts with returning to college and work, as many of the alumni as possible returned to run with the team,” said Mary Williams, head coach. “This year, the team participated in a scavenger hunting, covering more than a couple miles all over campus, to find each alumna.”
She added alumni shared their favorite cross country memories and advice for dealing with this season.
“They focused on not comparing their capacities and believing they are capable of more than they think they are,” she said. “New team members listened attentively to the alumni share their stories of success. Cross country wasn’t the end of running for the alumni.”
Williams joked several of them are logging more miles now than when they were required to run summer miles in high school.
Five alumni were in attendance including founding members Kate Funke and Molly Milosch, who both graduated this year, and Sarah Stafford, 2017 graduate. Monica Williams, 2018 graduate, and Lila Thewes, 2020 graduate, also joined the team for practice. The team ended practice with popsicles and a decade of the rosary, praying for the team and the season ahead.