By FRED KRONER
fred@sjodaily.com
Serving as captain of the Oakwood/Salt Fork cooperative cross-country team this year is not a case of lifetime achievement for Grace Davis.
The Oakwood senior first ran cross-country as a junior.
Her selection as a senior captain indicates that she embodies the traits of a team leader.
“She continues to lead by example, she runs mileage she is supposed to and encourages the younger teammates,” coach Phil Surprenant said. “I expect her to lead drills, motivate others and act as a second in command, so to speak.”
A teen-ager who describes her personality as “outgoing and supportive,” Davis thinks those traits were factors in her selection as captain.
“I believe these two things are what paved the way for me to be captain,” she said. “I also believe that my hard work and dedication also played a role in me being captain.”
Davis’ role models were those who came before her.
“I have learned from previous captions to never complain, to train hard, and to always respect your teammates,” she said. “I have also learned to never give up no matter how much I hurt, my position in the race, or how tired I am.”
Cross-country teams will officially start preseason practice on Monday, Aug. 12.
“It is an honor to be a leader to not only Oakwood athletes, but as well the Salt Fork athletes,” Davis said. “I put so much time and effort into this sport, therefore, it is rewarding for me to be captain.
“The main responsibilities for me are to make sure I help my teammates perform to their best ability, have fun while doing the sport and to work hard.”
Davis now regrets not participating in cross-country before last year.
“I quickly learned that I should’ve signed up sooner because I fell in love with the sport,” she said. “It is by far my favorite sport.
“My goals for the upcoming season are to perform well as a team and to improve my time.”
A year ago, the distance runner was an All-Area honorable mention choice in both cross-country and track and field.
