Cross country, more formally known as the sport of punishment, is a sport continually overlooked by the student body. Yes, I understand that not everyone enjoys running, but it is the basis of almost every other sport. How does one move a ball around the field? By running with it, of course.

On the surface, cross country is not the most entertaining sports to watch. But beyond the exhaustion, griminess, and disorientation on a runner’s face, there is a feeling of satisfaction and empowerment inside the runner. After practice, I have a sense of accomplishment and gratification in knowing I did something for myself that makes me happy. Running is not just an individual sport, but also a team sport. Everyone has an important role that determines the overall performance of the team.

There are a few things that come to mind when I think about students’ attitude towards cross country.

First, people don’t know how it scores, though it is a very simple sport to understand. Like some sports, such as golf, the lower score between the two competitors wins.

Unlike other sports, only the top five runners from each team determine the point system. The girl who finishes first from either team receives one point, the second runner gets two, and so forth. At the end of the race each team totals up their top five players scores for the final score. Understanding the scoring of cross country might make watching a meet more exciting.

The next thing students don’t know is that they can support it. The best part about watching a cross country race is that it can be seen anywhere on campus. Trust me, the support from the students and other race watchers is important for runners, especially when you hear people cheer you on those last 400 meters to the finish line. The extra boost of adrenaline helps girls on our team out kick our opponents in the final stretch when all they are feeling is exhaustion.

The final thing to realize is that our cross country team is good. This fall season, women’s cross country has its best team since 2006 when the team became the champion of its conference. When I read that fact in an email sent by Coach Torres, I was ecstatic.

I made it a goal of mine when joining the running program to help bring home a championship at least once before I graduate. To know that we are this close to being the 2013 IAAM ‘A’ conference champions makes my heart skip a beat.

This year’s team has proven itself worthy of a championship by placing no lower than 5th place in any of its invitationals this season and having a perfect dual meet record of 4-0 so far this season.

The top seven varsity runners have a mix of extremely fast times in the 18-20 minute range for a 3.1 mile race. Earning those times requires expending every ounce if energy you have, so I’d say that’s a very committed team.

However, the Men’s team is no less committed and needs just as much support.

So next time you ask fellow students in your class how the game went last night, don’t forget the cross country meet.  You may get a detailed reply of how the race went or a blunt response of “it sucked.”

Cross country is just like any other sport: massive amounts of time and devotion are found in the hearts of each participant.  If you still don’t believe me, just remember: our sport is your sport’s punishment.

Amanda Spaeth is a Sports Columnist for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.