The setting moon casts a small glimpse of light through the cracks of closed blinds and windows. Birds chirp signifying the day has begun while the morning wind rustles the trees. As the sun begins to bring forth its light, the rested Bowie cross country runners slap their alarm clocks and greet the day.

With practice starting at 7 a.m. Monday through Friday, together the runners are the perfect example of dedication.

“It takes full commitment. You have to be willing to wake up every morning to better yourself,” senior cross country runner Steven Demerson said. “Even when you don’t feel like doing that.”

Hard work and dedication paid off though, as Demerson not only advanced to the regional meet but advanced to the state meet while the varsity girls won the district championship.

“Individually, my goal for the season was to qualify for regionals,” Demerson said.

This goal was met as Demerson ran with complete motivation and drive throughout the season despite countless new obstacles.

“Sophomore year, I was diagnosed with epilepsy. Running with the fear of having a seizure every day after that was detrimental to me mentally, but overcoming it this year was a huge step in the right direction,” Demerson said.

Demerson’s challenges helped create the runner he is today.

This past week Demerson along with senior Marrissa Flournoy, junior Carolyn Evans, and freshman Claire Meyer qualified for the state meet.

“My goal for the season was to qualify for state and place in the top 10 and move on to compete at the footlocker national meet,” Flournoy said.

For Flournoy half that goal is already accomplished, but that doesn’t mean it came without sacrifice.

“To run cross country you have to be willing to sacrifice everything for the sport,” Flournoy said. “The hardest part is staying mentally strong when training is hard.”

Flournoy’s extreme dedication to the sport has rewarded her not only with awards and wins but with a family of teammates and friends.

“My teammates have always been there when I needed an extra push,” Flournoy said. “They have been a huge part of my life for the past four years and I couldn’t have done it without their loving support.”

The runners have formed a camaraderie of support and strength for one another.

“Seeing the transformation of the kids throughout the season and the years is really special,”cross country coach Mathew Flick said.

Although the season comes to an end after nationals, in the runners must still train and stay in shape year round. Constantly improving on their bodies is a full time job for the students but it all comes with reward.

“Cross country has given me friends, family, connections, and a hard work ethic,” Demerson said.

“It has given me a group of people that I will consider my family for the rest of my life,” Flournoy said.

Through wins and loses, successes and failures, strides and falls, the cross country team has been there for one another creating a bond like no other.

As Demerson passes the finish line, the sidelines erupt with cheers and triumph. Teammates stand tall and proud, lifting each other’s spirits with support and love as they embrace victory like a family would.