The Carmel boys cross country team has over 130 members, but coach Colin Altevogt said the team makes sure there’s something in it for everyone that runs. (Photo provided)
By QUINN MATTHEWS
quinn@readthereporter.com
The Carmel boys cross country team has captured 18 state championships since their first title win in 1976. Known for their consistent performances and impressive winning streaks over the decades, the team continues to uphold its tradition of victory. Currently ranked third in the state, Carmel plans to continue this tradition.
(Photo provided)
“In 2022 we won the state meet by over 100 points, you could have taken our top two runners out and we still would have won that year,” said Carmel’s head coach, Colin Altevogt.
The pressure of upholding a record of success can be overwhelming, but Carmel chooses to stay grounded instead, staying focused on their goals and what they can control.
“When a program has been as successful as we have over the last 15 years, it would be easy for us to only care about winning the state championship, and that’s a lot of pressure on the kids,” said Altevogt.
“Focusing on their running goals isn’t the only thing they pay attention to. An important part of their team is being united.
“When a team gets that good, it sometimes unfortunately gets more individual, so we’re really trying to get back to being good teammates and being excited for each other and not being competitive with each other, but racing with each other,” said Altevogt.
Team bonding to develop unity with one another with such a large roster looks different than a typical-sized team.
“There are 130 boys on the roster, so it’s not the stereotypical team like when I was in high school where every Friday you go to the coach’s house for pasta dinner,” said Altevogt. “Their friendship and camaraderie is more informal interactions, not a get together that the coaches plan out.”
With a team of over 100 runners, it would be easy for individuals to get lost in the crowd. However, Carmel ensures that every athlete feels valued and recognized as important.
“We try to keep it one big team and show them that we value what they bring to the team,” said Altevogt. ”We like to make sure that there’s something in it for everybody.”
