Cross Country captain Thomas Richardson is dissatisfied with being ranked second, and wants the team to focus on becoming number one.
Photo provided by MU Athletics
Cross Country Team Aims High This Season
Wyatt Gatewood
The Spartans cross country captain has high aspirations and expectations for the 2021-22 season. Thomas Richardson’s expectations are nothing short of first place in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC). After finishing second last year in the conference championship, the Manchester Spartans picked up where they left off by being pre-ranked second in the HCAC.
What does this pre-ranking mean to Richardson? “As a team we need to keep working to become number one,” he said.
The Spartans captain, a junior, is not satisfied with being ranked second. And his teammates are taking everything into account so they can move up. How are the Spartans preparing? “They’re making sure the team is running every day, paying attention to every detail even when the workout is not intense, and doing their stretches every day,” Richardson said.
He has his own strategy for being mentally prepared for the season. “I try to stay in my own head space,” he said. Richardson is also looking ahead to achieving a personal goal. “I want to qualify for nationals,” he said. With focus and determination, he intends to reach it.