The goals are different. Most of the lineup is new, and the competition is limited. However, the 2020 Cyclone men's cross country team is still on track to run this season.
The COVID-19 pandemic canceled all spring 2020 sports, but only altered the fall season. Cross country was one of few sports allowed to practice and compete with limitations. They have fewer days to practice, must wear masks at all times except when running, must fill out forms and have their temperatures taken before all practices and competitions, cannot leave the state for competition, and aren't supposed to run in groups. Typically, the Cyclones run in races with and hosted by other four-year colleges and universities. However, all those contests were canceled, leaving Moraine Valley with just two newly introduced running events and a dual meet.
"Cross country running, in general, has it the best. Training is easy. You can do it by yourself if you need to. So, that's been a benefit. I know some sports can't practice together, but we can at least run every day," said Head Coach Dimitri Dimizas, entering his fifth season leading the program.
When runners aren't at the three-day approved team practice, they have workouts to do on their own at home or the gym. They're able to log their mileage, thanks to GPS watches, on an app so Dimizas can access their progress.
Although cross country is based on individual performance, the runners use each other to keep pace and stay together during competition to finish strong in a pack. Building a team bond to make that happen occurs during practices and off the course, but this year is different.
"On recovery days, usually we'd go in a classroom and talk as a team. But, that's not allowed now. So, the athletes come, run and leave. Team bonding is arguably the best part of the season, and it's not available," Dimizas explained.
Region and conference competitions are questionable this season, and the team isn't allowed to travel to nationals because it's being hosted in Iowa. Instead of aiming for championships and the Big Dance, the freshmen are getting an idea of what it's like to train at the college level and sophomores are working on their speed to compete at their transfer school.
With all the changes, Carlos Galvan (Argo) is the lone returner from last year's crew. He made big strides in 2019 after being the solid No. 3 guy. He's taken a leadership role and hopes to continue his running career at a four-year college or university. Joining him are freshmen Jimmy Duffy (Andrew), Adael Jaimes-Sotelo (Thornton Fractional North), Juan Ramos (Shepard), Jackson Sima (Shepard), Sebastian Szuba (Argo) and Nick Tsiones (Stagg).
The Cyclones run their first event on Sept. 18 at Heartland Community College in Normal, IL.