The Warren County Middle School cross country team has started conditioning for the upcoming season with new coach Monica Moore, a seasoned running veteran. 

After returning to Warren County, Moore was asked if she was interested in coaching to which she answered, “Sure!” Though new to this cross country team, she is no stranger to coaching.

Moore coached basketball for 24 years and taught for 27 years so she knows how to lead a team to success. Since opening her running store, she is excited to get back into coaching. “This gives me an opportunity to work with the kids again,” she said, adding that she misses teaching as well.

Due to the TSSAA guidelines, Wednesday was the first day they were allowed to start practice for the season, and they wasted no time. Wednesday morning, they had their first official practice, but it can be hard to start in the summer when kids are on summer break.

“Right now, I’ve got a lot of kids on vacation and other practices,” she said, “But I’m impressed by this first day.” 

She said the team is looking pretty good going into the season, and it’s hard to pick out anyone to watch as a standout runner. Also, since the team also pulls from all the schools in the county, Moore added, “I’m still learning their names.”

The season will start in mid-August with the first meet set for the Aug. 20, tentatively. They’ll run until fall break, and Moore is ready to kick it off. She is excited to coach cross country as it’s a skill the young athletes can take with them throughout life.

“Basketball and football, you have to stop at some point,” she said, “But they can run forever.”