Endurance, sportsmanship, and leadership: the three traits that Candon West says are necessary to become successful in cross country. West first started competing in cross country while he was in junior high. At first West saw cross country more as an exercise to keep himself conditioned for other sports, rather than a competition in itself. However, over the years his dedication to the sport and craft has grown. While he still loves soccer and uses cross country to help him stay in shape for other competitions. He has come to appreciate what cross country by itself has to offer. 

“I first started running cross country in seventh grade,” West said. “I didn’t really treat cross country as a sport – I just used it for conditioning for soccer.” 

However, West has come to enjoy cross country and has made some good memories along the way. He recalled a memory from his freshman year. 

“My favorite memory would be my ninth grade year, when the whole cross country team played tag around the high school for like an hour straight,” West said. 

One of West’s favorite aspects of cross country is the time he gets to spend with teammates and the friendships that he has formed. 

“I’ve had fun just getting to bond with my teammates, the long bus rides, eating together at restaurants, and then just joking around at practice and meets,” West said. 

So far this year West has also been enjoying the season. 

“I would say this year is off to a good start, our first meet almost everyone got medals,” West said. “For me, the best part was to see the excitement on everyone’s faces.” 

As the season is drawing to a close West still has his sights set on a few goals. 

“My set goal is to make state again,” West said. “I would love to make state with my long lasting cross country buddy Josh Vienna.” 

After high school West hopes to run competitively or play soccer in college and work toward a degree in architecture and design.