On most days at Silo High School, senior Lewis Cross is already working before most students arrive on campus, building toward a final season defined by range and endurance. Cross competes in the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs, along with the 5-kilometer cross country race, handling events that require both speed and sustained effort.
Cross began running track in seventh grade after encouragement from his mother, a decision he now sees as the start of his athletic path. “My mom motivated me to run track when I was in middle school,” he said.
That early push developed into a structured training routine. Cross runs about 40 miles per week, balancing workouts and recovery as he prepares for competition. The demands of the sport, he said, have shaped how he approaches both athletics and daily life.
Before races, Cross focuses on staying calm and centered. He relies on his teammates and faith to prepare mentally. “Talking with my team and making sure I pray for a good race helps me a lot,” he said.
One of the biggest challenges in his career has been maintaining discipline through training demands, school responsibilities and fatigue. He said that learning to manage those areas has been a key part of his development.
When races do not go as planned, Cross avoids dwelling on the outcome and instead shifts his attention to improvement. “I stay calm and work harder for better results in the future,” he said.
One of his top accomplishments came last season when he finished state runner-up in cross country, a performance that raised his expectations entering his senior year. Now, his goal is simple. “To be a state champion,” he said.
Cross credits his coach with helping him grow beyond athletics, noting improvements in leadership and personal maturity. He also describes the Silo program as a close-knit group that extends beyond competition.
“My team is the biggest part of the sport for me. They’re like a family,” he said.
Balancing school and training comes down to planning ahead. Cross organizes his schedule to manage classes, workouts and recovery, a habit he says has helped him stay focused and responsible.
What continues to motivate him is the people around him. “The support from my team and my family motivates me,” he said. As his senior season comes to a close, Cross is determined to leave Silo cross country and track with no regrets, only the miles and moments that built him.
