GH Academy cross country program a running success

Marques Hunter

of the Gateway

Running is an innate ability on the playground. It doesn’t require hand-eye coordination or a specific skill set.

Elementary school students don’t think about how to run. They simply do it.

At Gig Harbor Academy, cross county has become the first organized sport since the independent private school opened 35 years ago. The Eagles had their first competitive season last year.

Gig Harbor Academy’s second season recently concluded, and about one-third of the student body participated.

Head coach Abigail Bushley, a marathon runner, said she wanted to bring a love for running to the students.

“It helps them learn and grow,” Bushley said. “I emphasize to have a good time, be safe and try to do their best.”

Bushley said there isn’t much difference between how the academy trains and how Gig Harbor High School runs its program. The Tides girls are currently ranked second in Class 4A competition and the boys are ranked fourth.

“We talk about looking for their hole, and if they see a space, to go through it,” Bushley said. “I try to have them steadily increase their pace and that hills are a great time to pass other people. Then turn on a nice kick in the end.”

The academy competes against other private schools in the Catholic Youth Organization, even though the school is not Catholic-based.

Gig Harbor Academy is comprised of both boys and girls. The team has grown significantly and their racing times have improved.

Some students participated in as many as four meets. A runner from GHA placed in the top 10 in each of the races.

Bushley’s son, Nathaniel, 7, was on the team for the second year.

“It’s really fun, because I get to race against other schools and see how fast I can go against them,” he said, adding that his favorite part about competing varies.

Second-grader Catherine Wotherspoon loves it when she finishes and earns a ribbon. She said she wants to continue racing at least until she graduates from the academy.

While some of the kids may participate in other sports in Gig Harbor, their coach said it’s a rare opportunity to get young kids running at a competitive level.

“I don’t have to do much,” Bushley said. “The kids just run. It (cross country) taps into that natural desire and tells them to go from here to here.”

The youngest students run 800 meters — two laps around a quarter-mile track. Third-graders can run up to a mile. The CYO has middle school-aged children who complete a 1 1/2-mile course.

One aspect of the academy that lends itself to the sport is its multi-purpose campus. Its 10 acres includes a fitness trail in the woods and a 2-mile loop road.

Lorie Lawler of Fox Island, whose son Carter is part of the team, said Carter enjoys running and spending time with his friends.

“He’s not real competitive, but he always picks a teammate and they run together,” Lawler said. “They really feel that sense of accomplishment and are excited to finish.”

Reach sports reporter Marques Hunter at 253-853-9246 or by e-mail at marques.hunter@gateline.com.