Lia Gilbert, left. Lexi Hotchkin, right.
Clarkston Junior High School Track and Cross Country students, 9th grader Lexi Hotchkin and 8th grader Lia Gilbert, run through their sports experience and how CJHS supports their passion.
Student Lia Gilbert has been running cross country since sixth grade, as a way to try something new. Not only is she in cross country, but she also participates in track during the spring.
“The atmosphere is really nice. There are lots of my friends who do cross country, so it’s just a nice way to see them,” Gilbert said.
One thing athletes struggle with is self confidence, and trying to keep pushing when they feel doubtful in one’s abilities.
“You have to be in the right mental state, but at every single race at some point I’m like, ‘oh my god, I can’t do this,’” Gilbert said.
Luckily for Gilbert, she has lots of support from people, including support from herself.
A lot of the time, I’ll huddle around with my friends and we’ll be like ‘we got this, we got this!’ and we’ll hype each other up,” Gilbert said. “But since it is a lot mental, I think I’m my biggest supporter.”
Gilbert has a very supportive team and community within CJHS Cross Country. While everyone has their self doubts and struggles with sports, Gilbert always finds a relief among all the uncertainty. She is passionate, kind, and definitely a big part of the encouragement to keep going.
For many athletes, inspiration comes from within, but for Lexi Hotchkin her inspiration begins with family. When asked what keeps her motivated and what continues to keep her moving forward, she states, “my grandma and grandpa.” She claims without any hesitation whatsoever, “My grandpa always used to be there while I ran track.” That drive has kept Hotchkin motivated through the highs and lows.
The thrill of running isn’t the only thing Hotchkin enjoys, she enjoys her friends, coach, and the overall energy and positivity of the environment. Of course, track has its challenges. Hotchkin isn’t a fan of hurdles; her asthma makes it so Hotchkin has to have an inhaler on standby, but that doesn’t stop her from pushing forward, even though the hurdles might make her want to.
For Hotchkin, track isn’t just about being fast, or winning, but more so about friends, family, and memories along the way. With her grandma’s spirit and grandpa’s memory in her mind, there’s not one doubt that she will continue chasing her dream, one stride at a time.
The CJHS Cross Country and Track team is very supportive and a great community to be around. May many great memories and meets continue for these wonderful and kind-hearted athletic students.