Last Friday, the boys and girls cross country teams came together to paint rocks and celebrate the start of a new season.

With the start of the 2024 fall sports season, the boys and girls cross country teams have been running the trails of Nevers Park to prepare for upcoming races. This year, a new addition to the trail was spotted near the South Windsor Bark Park: a “snake” of painted rocks marked with a sign encouraging park patrons to add their own painted rocks. 

Cross country decided to add their own contributions to the local artwork. Team members brought painting supplies, snacks, and music for a fun and festive practice to mark the start of their season.

“I really enjoyed just spending time with the team and being creative while listening to music,” sophomore and runner Keerthana Toram said.

The activity was organized by girls cross country captain and SWHS senior Ishaal Bukhari, as well as SWHS junior Olivia Stoner.

They communicated with boys team seniors Rishi Prathik, Satvik Kadappanavar, and Mukhil Olinilavan. 

“This year we wanted to conjoin the boys and girls and overall just bond as a team. That type of relationship and those memories will last throughout the seasons, and with everyone running so hard we all needed some fun,” senior captain Ishaal Bukhari explained. “Olivia [Stoner], and I came up with the idea when we saw the snake in the back loop, so we let the guys’ leaders know and planned it around 10 at night, since we knew we had an easy run the next day.” 

The combined teams added around 50 of their own decorated rocks to the snake, including one marked with “SW XC”. The colorful stones currently sit around the two mile mark of their meet course, and are a cheerful sight alongside the trail.

Boys and Girls Cross Country will have their first meet of the season this Saturday, 9/7, in Simsbury at the Stratton Brook XC Invitational.