HOPEDALE — With the high school fall sports season just weeks away, the Hopedale High School Cross Country program is inviting the next generation of runners to lace up their shoes and discover the sport during its annual two-day mini-camp, taking place July 13-14.
Now entering his 33rd season, boys’ coach Joe Drugan said the camp is designed to introduce incoming students to cross country while helping them realize potential they may not yet know they have.
“We wanted to give student-athletes a chance at a younger age to see what they could possibly do as distance runners,” Drugan said. “Our job as coaches and captains is to help them discover that potential.”
Open to incoming fifth through eighth graders, the camp goes beyond simply running. Girls’ coach Tim McGuire, entering his 15th season, said participants will learn about training, nutrition, recovery, race strategy, and the importance of being part of a team.
“We’re really targeting brand-new kids into the sport,” McGuire said. “Hopefully they’ll become future members of our program, but even if they don’t, they’ll be introduced to a sport they can enjoy for the rest of their lives.”
Current Hopedale runners say the welcoming atmosphere is one of the program’s greatest strengths.
“I think my teammates and coaches really pushed me and influenced me to do cross country,” said senior Connor Fitzgibbons. “It was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
Senior Ben Stone said the sport teaches perseverance beyond the course.
“There’s going to be times where you’re hurting, but you can always find it in yourself to push a little harder,” he said. “You can apply that to a lot of places in your life.”
Sophomore Quinn Cook hopes younger students won’t be intimidated by trying something new.
“You don’t have to be fast,” Cook said. “As long as you’re pushing yourself and doing your best, anyone can find success in cross country.”
The free mini-camp runs Monday and Tuesday, July 13-14, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Hopedale High School. Participants should bring running clothes, a good pair of athletic shoes, water, snacks if desired, and a watch if they have one. The camp is open to all incoming Hopedale students entering grades 5 through 8 who are interested in learning more about cross country.
