Cross Country at Galloway
Cross country at Galloway has a legendary reputation. Over the years, many students have been a part of the team and helped build its history. Cross country is not an easy sport because runners have to force themselves through long practices, difficult drills, and the never ending Atlanta heat. The sport is challenging, but the community the team carries all supports and builds each other up. The head coach of the team, Coach Beatty, who has been coaching for over 30 years says, “the common struggle is what builds the community.”
This idea of a “common struggle” is a huge part of what makes the team so close. Every runner goes through long, hot, grueling practices. All cross country runners practice at the same time, but they don’t all practice the same. Coach Beatty makes an effort to “meet everyone where they’re at.” During practice, the team has an A group, B group, C group, and D group. With Galloway's “no-cuts” policy, he understands not everyone can run the same amount of miles, but makes an effort to not minimize anyone's ability or talent.
Beatty explains how the core value of the team is not running, surprisingly, but family. Every year, for the past ten years, Galloway partners with Clarkston High School for the annual “Family Affair” meet. Clarkson's team is largely made up of athletes who come from refugee families. The donations help them have the ability to get gear, fuel, and much more so they can do their very best when competing. Galloway raised around 6,000 dollars, received 34 donated pairs of shoes, and purchased gift cards to give to Clarkston, so after long meets they can stop for food.
During the meet, both schools race and have a nice meal together. Beatty says one of his favorite parts of the day is the meal. “Sitting together, having a good meal, and looking around at the different backgrounds, ethnicities and religions is something you can’t beat,” Beatty said.
The same idea of family can be seen within the team members themselves.
With two teams, varsity and junior varsity, the runners age from seniors to freshman. Each year 2-3 seniors are titled captain. One of the three captains, Jonathan Livingston ‘27, has been running on the team since freshman year. He enjoys being a captain because he likes “being able to guide people, and help when needed with veteran experience." Jonathan's role as captain shows how the idea of family continues on year after year. He has gone from a younger runner that looks up to upperclassmen, to someone freshman are looking at for advice. Captains help lead practices, encourage teammates, and set an example for the rest of the team. It is about making sure everyone feels like they have a place on the team.
The community Beatty has created also changes the runners view of success. Runners aren’t seeking 1st place all the time, they are seeking improvement. The overall goal is progress. Beatty explains how when a runner graduates from a practice group to a higher practice group, it is a celebration. Everyone applauds, making the runner feel seen and appreciated. As well, the team doesn’t only celebrate “wins” surrounding the sport. When a team member won Student Association, they also celebrated. This all helps contribute to the family.
The team has already had two meets. Beatty explains how when the schedule is made at the start of the seasons, he tries to only have the team attend meets that have both middle school and high school events. This is so both UL and ML teams can be at the same meet and bond. The team is unsure how many more meets they have, but the seasons will run until December.
Ultimately, Galloway’s cross country team is much more than running. Through every
celebration, practice, and meet, the team continues to grow closer. Every season is better than the last. Beatty hopes for the team to continue to persist and become larger.