2 years. 3 trivia nights. 3 car washes. 36 hour bus ride. 10 hours of sleep between 4 days. Unbelievable loads of makeup work. 

That’s what it took to get the Holt Cross Country team down to Disney to race in Disney’s Cross Country Classic. However, even through all the hardships that it took to get down to Disney, the end result was worth it.

Flash back to a few weeks ago when the trip was just beginning. The Holt Cross Country team had just gotten back from their conference meet. In the night, they waited in anticipation for their charter bus to turn around the corner.

Minutes went by like hours. And when it had seemed that the team had been waiting for years, the bus finally turned into Holt High School. Two years later and they were finally getting on that bus. Then, the first 18 hour leg of the trip began.

“The bus ride was a team bonding experience. Something you get to experience once and get close with your team,” said Makenna Seghers (‘21).

After many various card games and sing-a-longs, the team finally made it into Florida. Cheers and excitement were heard across the bus. The team got to spend a lovely little time in Disney Springs the day before their race.

The following day the athletes had to prepare themselves to run in the Disney Cross Country Classic. Arriving at 6 AM, the team arrived at the course while it was still dark out.

When the time came, the girls varsity team ran first. Struggling their way through the humidity, they ran their way through the 5k. There was no doubt in mind that they killed the course. Emily Griesenauer crushed the competition, coming in at first place and becoming the champion of the DCCC. Gracyn Pietrusinski also medaled by placing tenth.

The rest of Holt’s athletes ran the muggy course and persevered through the rough terrain. The awards ceremony then began as Holt celebrated their two medalists.

After all of the the excitement from the races died down, the real fun began. The Holt XC team was able to spend a joyful day in Magic Kingdom. At one point it began to rain on their parade, but that didn’t stop them from dancing in the rain!

“It came out of nowhere! When it rained it poured. We sung ‘It’s Raining Men,”‘ said Rylee Deckard (’20).

The following day, the team spent the full day in Hollywood Studios. Many memories were made as the team spent 12 hours down in the park. The Tower of Terror and Rocking Roller Coaster lines were long, but the time spent on it was worth it.

After the long day in Hollywood Studios, the team boarded their bus and rode through the night back to Holt High School. Even though the trip was a short four days long, the memories that were made on that trip were unforgettable.