Turbulent and unpredictable is the best way to describe the 2020-2021 school year. However, for cross country and all athletes, the ugliness of this year has taken a shape of its own.

In Texas, high school sports were announced to be delayed until later in the year. Nonetheless, expectations for Oak’s cross country team were anything but eased upon.

Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the chance to practice with their respective coaches was severely limited. With this revelation, athletes needed to take on more responsibility for the offseason if they wanted to reach their goals.

“I am extremely proud of the effort the girls have made this summer,” girls cross country coach Aaron Shock said. “They were extremely organized and continued to work throughout the time coaches were not able to attend practice. This season’s success rests heavily on the commitment made over the last few months.”

Trials off the track have presented themselves to be challenging. The true challenge, though, lies on the track itself. Klein ISD is one of the most competitive districts in the region for cross country. Thus, for these athletes, the demand for them to reach beyond their limits this season exceeds the district championship title expectation. State championships are the ultimate goal.