The sun hadn’t quite peaked over the horizon when the bus filled with cross country runners turned into the parking lot for the district meet. It was bumping with music playing their favorite songs as they laughed and got hyped up before the race.

With two new captains, and a new coach, it wasn’t just the the pre-race atmosphere that changed for the team.

Runners said new coach Aleyh Christopher brought different style of coaching. Athletes did less distance running and more strength workouts.

“Having a new coach is a big adjustment for the team, but we all stayed together and stayed strong as a team,” Junior captain Colin Knowles said. “As a captain I try to motivate the team and give them good energy.”

Sophomore Amelia Gatlin said that last year the team didn’t have a strong bond, but that Christopher worked every day to change that. Christopher partnered up teammates to help one another push to their full potential.

“Our coach has made sure we are a family,” Gatlin said.

Christopher relied on the new captains to take responsibility, and to lead by example.

Junior Jaynie Rodriguez said that Christopher isn’t just trying to build relationships and team confidence, she’s also putting renewed emphasis on the runners performance on the course.

“She doesn’t give us any break during meets and practices because she’s pushing us to our full potential and tells us ‘this isn’t your max, keep on going,'” Rodriguez said.

It was the first time Christopher coached cross country, coming from the track and field world where she also coached this year. She said she wants the team to focus and always get better.

“They’re extremely locked in,” Christopher said. “I feel like the intensity that I bring has rubbed off on them as well.”