Valparaiso HS girls cross country team continues winning ways
VALPARAISO, Ind. — The Valparaiso High School Girls Cross Country (VGXC) program is one of the best in the state. The program won five state championships under coaches Karen Devries and Mick Cavanaugh in the 1990s and early 2000s. Since Girls Cross Country officially became an Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) sport in 1981, VGXC has secured 27 sectional championships, 19 regional championships, 15 semi-state championships, and 23 Duneland Athletic Conference (DAC) championships.
I caught up with current head coach John Arredondo, who is fresh off his first DAC championship season and a strong post-season performance, winning sectional, regional and semi-state championships and for the 25th time in the program’s history, ending the season with a top 10 finish at the Indiana State Championships. He shares some thoughts on the team’s goals, traditions, motivating factors, and support system.
History is a big deal to the VGXC team and with such a storied history they always have high expectations, which lead to big goals. The girls always strive to win the DAC and as many post-season meets as possible. Qualifying for state is a core goal, but they usually take it a step further and aim to finish in the top 10. Above this, however, the number one goal is always health. Coach Arredondo explains, “We want everyone to have fun and be healthy. If we can do that, it usually leads to success on the cross country course.” He notes that for the most part they were able to stay or get healthy this year and had a successful season.
Traditions are also important to the VGXC team. Coach Arredondo explains that following long-standing race rituals is a way they can honor the runners, coaches, and team community that came before them as well as solidify the bonds of the current team. One core tradition still followed today is to end each huddle by having everyone place their hands in the center and yell “One team. One dream. One family.” This unifying message is prevalent from beginning to end. Running for each other is a mantra they focus on from the start of pre-season camp. This year’s team t-shirt was dedicated to former coach Karen Devries (who passed away in June) and was emblazoned with the following statement: “I will run hard for you today because I know you prepared yourself to run hard for me.” Coach Arredondo says the girls really took that mantra to heart and it motivated the team throughout the whole regular and post-season.
Last, but not least, a culture of support is a final ingredient in their recipe for success. Coach Arredondo says the supportive culture of the team tops his list of things that he is most proud of as a coach. “Our team is really healthy in regards to supporting each other and lifting each other up. The athletes are 100% responsible for that and it causes the coaches to beam with pride.” This culture of support extends beyond the athletes as well. Coach Arredondo explains that it takes a tremendous amount of work to have a team as large as theirs and they would not be able to run it well without the larger Valpo Girls Cross Country family. He particularly wants to thank assistant coaches Marissa McNamara and Heather Henderlong for reeling him in and challenging his philosophies, and team parents who give and do so much for the program. One Team! One Dream! One Family! = One recipe for success!
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