Running cross country is all about having a strong mindset if you ask Chickasha senior Allyson Gerstner. Gerstner started running cross country this summer as a way to stay in shape for soccer after taking the advice of her coach. “She felt that it would be a good opportunity for the handful of offseason players to stay in shape while also competing and she was confident that all of us would be able to run at the same level as the competitive runners,” Gerstner said.

Gerstner said that her primary goal for this season was to earn a medal at one of the meets. While cross country isn’t Gerstner’s main athletic passion – like soccer- she has enjoyed her time with the team and getting the opportunity to compete and bond with her teammates and coaches. She’s thankful for taking the advice of her soccer coach. “I would definitely say that my soccer coach has been a huge inspiration for me, both by being incredibly helpful and confident in my abilities as well as being a great role model,”
Gerstner said.

“She has encouraged me to do so many new things that were once out of my comfort one and she is always willing to give good advice or share as much knowledge as she can. Without her motivation, I don’t think I would have the same positive mentality about competing that I do today.” Gerstner has been able to apply skills from both cross country to soccer and vice versa in competitions and games.

“I think that not only will cross country help with the fitness side of soccer once the season starts, but I also think that it will help with that extra push to get to the ball faster than the opposing team just as you would the finish line,” Gerstner said. “A couple skills from soccer that have helped in cross country is the outlook that I have gained from playing soccer as well as the fast paced movements that you can use to pass people at the perfect moments while running on the course.”