It takes discipline and dedication to run cross country. Mental and physical endurance
are tested while training to run a 5K at meets.
Zachary Rhodes, a senior at Elk City High School has learned through running cross
country that with hard work, good things happen.
Zachary’s explanation for his love of running is simple, he just doesn’t like to go slow.
“I started running in junior high and just stuck with it,” he says. Now the best part of
representing ECHS is doing good at events and winning.
While it may seem like an individual sport to some, Zachary’s favorite part of running is
the team bond. Inspiration from teammates keeps him running even when it’s hard.

“My teammates inspire me to do better,” he says. Being able to run with teammates like Jack Morgan have made cross country running even more enjoyable. Zachary says, “he is just one of the best runners I know.”
Great memories have been made as a student at ECHS. From training with
upperclassmen on country runs, to teachers like Mrs. Brimage, who made chemistry an
enjoyable and useful class.
His favorite food may be chocolate chip pancakes with scrambled eggs bacon and
syrup, but he strongly advises “don’t eat before you run.”
When not hard at work training, he would love to spend time in Colorado Springs
snowboarding. Whether out on country runs, or snowboarding the slopes, Zachary
enjoys participating in outdoor activity and is proud to represent the ECHS cross country
team.