As the leaves turn cold and the air cools, Bethel’s cross county team has been having an impressive season thus far with leading athletes such as Jaiden Richardson, Clay Reece, and Trinity Faber. They are all known for their restless determination and endurance that contributes to the team.
Bethel high school’s cross country team races toward the finish line of a promising season, and the stories of athletes like Jaiden Richardson and Clay Reece highlight the resilience and determination that define this year’s team. Both runners have made significant strides, with Jaiden trimming three minutes off of his time and placing in the top five at an invitational, while Clay has set his eyes on qualifying for states.
“It’s all mental,” Clay stated. “You have to believe in yourself.’’ With this mindset, he is able to go out and compete at a very competitive level to chase his goals.
We caught up with Trinity Faber, a dedicated runner on the cross-country team. It’s Trinity’s first year competing, and she’s already making waves as she has set her sights high.
“By regionals, I hope to run a 21 or 22-minute 5K,” Trinity declared.
Her passion for this sport is infectious, and she encourages her teammates to focus on their own journeys.
“Don’t let other times get to your head. The only person who can bring you down is yourself,’’ Trinity advises. ‘’Believe in yourself, and you can achieve anything.’’
Jaiden Richardson shared his journey in cross country, marking his second year in the sport.
“This season I knocked 3 minutes off my time,” Jaiden shared. “In cross country, that’s good!”
He credits his improvement to a consistent practice routine. Inspired by his dedication to track during his junior year, Jaiden joined cross country with the goal of preparing for college athletics.
Each runner has their own unique motivational goals whether it’s preparing for another sport, achieving a personal best, or gearing for the competitive season ahead. They all have shown they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
‘’To [be a Bruin] is try your best and don’t be a slouch,’’ Jaiden concluded.
