![Hosting the SCLA Casptone Mentor Dinner outside allowed for more attendees on September 27, 2021 at Silver Creek. This event would’ve usually been held inside. According to Lauren Kohn, a SCLA 12 teacher, “If we have a higher number of people, as long as we can host the event outside, then that seems to be keeping every[one] safe”.](https://schsnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/sxMAIGbSYGodZkqmrvTi5YWcJ1ssWA08ApkeMLpp-900x675.jpeg)
The yearly out-of-state trip tests the cross-country team’s endurance and proves that teamwork runs farther than any race. This year, they traveled to Mesa, Arizona to participate in the Nike Desert Twilight Invitational.
“Traveling always brings the team closer together, staying in the hotel, eating together, on the plane together, in the airport together,” one of the attending coaches, Jacy Riel said.
This year’s trip was from Thursday September 25, 2025 to Saturday September 27, 2025. Spending this much time with the same people really helps build and strengthen connections.
There were many athletes in attendance, one of them was sophomore varsity runner, Maya Goodman.
“We try to uplift each other if [the team] it’s not as good as we want it to be.” Goodman said.
Like a family, the team is closely bonded with each other.
Goodman also believes cross-country helps form friendships because there are a lot of different people to interact with.
This season was Shane Miller’s first year coaching at Silver Creek.
“It was a fun bonding experience,” Miller said. I got to know all of the runners and teammates a lot better,”
Miller agrees with Maya that the team atmosphere is great. Also saying the team brings good energy.
“Team bonds were strengthened because they [the team] got to spend multiple days together,” he said.
The girls’ team placed second overall, with runners Megan Bader, a junior and Maya Goodman, a sophomore receiving medals. There were also two members of the boys’ team placing in the top 25 and receiving medals.
Having teammates to cheer you on during your race really motivates a runner.
This plays a big part in racing, especially for Bader.
“It’s really helpful when people cheer me on because it makes me feel like I can keep going,”
Out-of-state trips are crucial to the team environment as they help bring the athletes-together, which in turn boosts individual performance.
