Strong start and high expectations for North Greenville cross country
Photo courtesy of Ben Jaminet
Jesus Arce, Staff Writer
The North Greenville University cross country team began its new season with a mix of optimism, steady preparation and determination. The group looks to build on past successes while facing new challenges this season.
Head coach Cameron Stober, in his 10th year at the helm, said, “We’ve only had one race, so it’s a little hard to say how we are doing this year, but I feel like the first race went well.”
The women’s team turned in an excellent performance to come in second place behind a strong Catawba College team. The men’s team had solid individual performances, although their collective result left room for improvement.
Despite the results, Stober remains optimistic as the season progresses. He looks into the future for the next competition in Spartanburg, hosted at Converse College, which will give the team a chance to measure its talent against some of its toughest conference and regional opponents.
“I expect that the team follow the plan properly in the first part of the race and then compete the best they can,” Stober said.
Their strategy is a key part of the program, where typically the team starts at a controlled pace for the first mile, then pushes harder as the race progresses. For Stober, this method allows his athletes to gradually develop their endurance and race intelligence, staying competitive throughout the course.
While he has clear goals for the team, Stober also adopts a training philosophy that emphasizes athletes setting their own goals.
“I let them do it. I want them to hold themselves accountable. If we do the little things right and compete properly, I think we’re setting ourselves up for success,” Stober said.
Graduate assistant coach Kylie Futrell, a former athlete on the team, is in the process of transitioning into her new role on the coaching staff. Having run for four years at NGU, Futrell understands well the mental hurdles and challenges athletes face.
Now, as a coach, she continues to support the team both mentally and emotionally, making sure each athlete feels prepared to overcome obstacles.
“Seeing the athletes succeed is probably the most rewarding thing. The girls feel like they can be a top contender this year. It’s special, and it’s going to be a big year,” Futrell said.
Among the athletes on the men’s team is sophomore Ben Jaminet, who specializes in the 800-meter track and field but has joined the cross country team to improve his endurance for the track season.
“Running cross country has been something that coach and I felt would improve my 800-meter times,” Jaminet said.
Jaminet noted the physical and mental adjustments needed to compete in the 8K race in college, a significant step up from the high school 5K. Despite the challenge, Jaminet remains optimistic and motivated.
He said, “I think it all comes down to purpose. God gives us certain talents and abilities, and I feel like I’m fascinated to see how far I can take my ability.”
As NGU’s cross country team moves through the season, both coaches and athletes share a common goal to push their limits, improve with each race and foster a mutually supportive team mentality.
Emphasizing the importance of focusing on overall team performance, regardless of individual results, Stober said, “The team tries to have a team-first mentality. If I didn’t have the best run today, I’ll focus on the people who did.”
NGU’s cross country team is in the early stages of its season, but the dedication and talent of the athletes and coaching staff indicate that this could be a season of surprises and a lot of hard work.
