Will Simons, a sophomore, has been on varsity cross country both years in high school.
Simons has been around the cross country and track team for many years. Coach Mark Johnson remembers when Simons was in 5th and 6th grade following the coaches around the course cheering on his older brother John.
Simon’s expectations for himself this year are very high. He expected himself to break the sophomore record of 16:13, but ended up being just shy at 16:26 for his best time that season.
“Coming into this season we were hoping that Will was going to be one of our top runners,” says Johnson.
Simons also had high expectations for himself. He was disappointed that he didn’t end up breaking the sophomore record because that was his main goal and what he was working towards all season.
In Coach Johnson’s eyes Will met his expectations and has become one of their most consistent runners. Every week they could count on Will to have a solid race.
This season is not what Simons expected. He says he expected to go to state and come home the champions. But instead, he came home in fourth place.
Coach Johnson thinks Simons is a great runner. He is one of the most talented runners to ever run for their program, because Simons is a natural runner with great mechanics and a powerful stride.
As an underclassman, there could have been intimidation. But he says instead he gets along with all of his teammates.
“He seems to have a lot of fun while at practice and his wonderful sense of humor helps keeps the team relaxed. He is always supportive of his teammates and is a positive role model for our younger runners,” says Johnson.
“I got along with most of my teammates, but at times some of them did get on my nerves,” says Simons.
“One thing I’m going to miss most about this season is bonding with all of the upperclassmen. We get along so well and have a blast while on runs, at meets and playing games,” says Simons.
If Simons could change one thing about the last season would be he would have enjoyed playing more Ultimate Frisbee with his team after practice.
Coach Johnson has high expectations for Simons in the future. He expects Simons to be a top runner and most importantly, a team leader. Johnson wouldn’t be surprised if Simons is one of the top runners to ever run for Arrowhead.
“The sky is the limit for Will Simons,” says Johnson.