A trail run just isn't the same without a little music. The Lakewood Ranch girls' cross country team might be mistaken for the cast of Glee, as they belt out the Foundations' hit single "Build Me Up Buttercup" during workouts. Junior Olivia Ortiz says the squad doesn't discriminate when it comes to the classics.
"We mostly sing while we are in the middle of runs. We sing oldies and new songs. It's pretty much whatever comes to our heads at the moment. I think singing is just a way for us to make what we are doing fun."
Ortiz and the rest of the girls might be full of fun and games, but they also know how to get down to business. They use the music as a way to get rid of the stress, keep their minds free, and focus. The Mustangs have galloped to runner-up finishes the past two seasons. The team returns six of the top seven runners from a year ago. Devin McDermott, who finished 16th in 2010, is the only senior on this year's roster. Ortiz says it is that depth that allows each girl to be pushed to their full potential both in practice and at meets. She knows in order to be on top the girls need to stick together.
"Yes, we are all pretty young. We are all really close and have gotten to know each other really well over the past couple seasons. I think since we have several juniors on this team we are all experiencing meets and states at the same time. Each meet brings a new experience and as a team we have all gotten through everything together. Finishing runner-up at states two seasons in a row has showed us we have a great team and our hard work is paying off, but we still have a lot more in us, and we want to win a state title. Being runner-up is great, but we know we can do better."
The quest for a state title won't come easily. Chiles is looking for their fourth consecutive state crown and are led by Lily Williams and Carly Thomas. Newcomers Melbourne (4A to 3A) and Estero (2A to 3A) will also be in contention, as well as Fort Myers who has picked up a very strong runner in transfer Emily Edwards. Ortiz acknowledges the challenges that lie ahead and says it only makes her team stronger.
"I think the tough competition will force us to improve as a whole team and work even harder in everything we do. It will not be easy, but I believe if we stay focused and determined our competition will make us a better team all around."
Ortiz says the bond of this girls is very tight-knit and resembles the lyrics to the Sister Sledge song, 'We Are Family'.
"I would say that song really does describe the team because our personalities work so well together and make us a better team. We all get along really well and have become closer each season. We have been so successful because of how focused and talented we are as a whole team. Each member wants to win and train extremely hard."
The Lakewood Ranch girls have been building a strong mileage base, doing 45 to 60 miles per week. Ortiz says this will help prepare the squad for the start of the season when they focus on higher mileage and more intense workouts. When they need inspiration they look to (what else) music.
"Our two theme songs for the season our 'Keep Your Head Up' by Andy Grammer and 'Fly' by Rhianna. The song 'Fly' describes our strong desire and win too because we work so hard as a team and by talking about conquering and prospering. 'Keep Your Head Up' explains how we stay determined throughout every practice and meet we endure. We chose these two songs because of their inspiring lyrics."
Ortiz has several goals this season. Individually she would like to get into the 17's and place as high as she can at districts, regionals, and states. She plans to improve on her fifth place finish from last season, and of course there is always that team state title.
Are there plans for a "We Are The Champions" number at the end of the year? She's optimistic, but doesn't want to get ahead of herself.
"Yes, that is the ultimate goal to win state, but I don't want to jinx anything by singing that song. We're going to take it one race at a time."
Video Interview with Olivia Ortiz at Prestate 2010
More Coverage