Every athlete knows the anticipation before a game. The nervous energy that flutters like butterflies in their body, the adrenaline pumping their muscles to peak performance, and the mindset that they embrace. Steeling themselves for the game to come. Preparing themselves for every possible outcome. Knowing that they can win with teamwork. All runners of the Mustang Cross Country team experienced these feelings on their recent trip to Guam, which began on October 22nd. 

The Varsity Cross Country Team, comprising 11 boys, 7 girls, and 3 dedicated coaches, met at Narita Airport and boarded a flight to the beautiful island. Excited for the race and adventure ahead, the team couldn’t wait for the days to come: racing along the beach, paddling kayaks on the ocean, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. 

As they landed in Guam, team members voiced their enthusiasm. Team Captain, Kyle Durkee, echoed what was on the whole team’s mind: “This is so crazy!” The picturesque views, serene palm trees, and the golden glow of the setting sun over the endless ocean looked like a postcard, wowing the team with the islands’ beauty. The Varsity boys coach, Coach Suzuki, made sure to remind them of their main goal: “Remember guys, we’re here to race first, then relax. That’s our business.” 

The rest of the first day in Guam was a mere blur for the team, as they set up their rooms, explored the hotel, and headed out to eat. The second day was another day of physical preparation and discovery. The team explored the local malls, even visiting the last K-Mart store in the world, located in Tamuning, Guam. 

Finally, on the third day, the team rose before dawn to tackle what they had worked and sweated for all season long: the race. The team journeyed out to JFK High School, walking under the faint, luminescent moonbeams. The girls’ team was first to race, putting on a great performance as they streamed past the finish line, streaked with mud and sweat, yet shining with Mustang Spirit. The boys’ race was next, and once again they galloped into the finish, exhausted but smiling, knowing they gave it their all. Finally, the last race—the open race—began, with all the Mustang Runners giving their best effort. 

The team indeed took care of business, remembering Coach Suzuki’s advice, along with the encouragement of Coach Stifel and Coach Rasmussen. The girls’ team came in third, while the boys’ team took first place. With the main race out of the way, the team headed off to the beach for some much-deserved relaxation. 

The next day began similarly to the previous day, with the Mustang runners rising before the sun. This day, though, was different because the Mustangs were running along the beach in a relay race. The race couldn’t have finished any better, with a rainbow in the clear sky welcoming the Mustangs in as they rounded the last corner of the beach, their shoes pounding in the sand and surf. 

The trip concluded smoothly with an awards banquet, the team rejoicing in their success at the Asia Pacific International Cross Country Championship. They secured second place overall, accompanied by three other trophies and a majority of runners in the top 20. 

As the plane soared over the very ocean the team had swum in days before, many different thoughts circulated. This was the final race for the seniors on the team, marking the culmination of many seasons of hard work and perseverance. For underclassmen runners, this was a preview of what future competitions had to offer.

Although the tournament might have ended, the team knows that the work of a runner is never over. ASIJ’s Varsity Cross Country team is ready to take what they learned and apply it to their communities, with the thoughts of perseverance, determination, and a positive mindset echoing from the season.