McCracken County teams practice together, compete separately

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Elizabeth Fields

Story Created: Thu Jul 26, 2012 4:47 PM

Story Updated: Thu Jul 26, 2012 5:24 PM

MCCRACKEN COUNTY, Ky. — The three high schools in McCracken County aren't under one roof yet but at least some of the sports teams are practicing under one coach.

The cross country, golf, swimming and wrestling coaches have already been named and for the past few weeks, they've been holding one practice for all three high school teams.

"We're trying to stress school pride for this year," said Kristopher Durfee, the boys cross country coach. "It's the last year for Lone Oak or Reidland or Heath uniforms. We want them to do their best they can for their school."

But they are also asking underclassmen to keep the big picture in mind, that this time next year, they will all be wearing the same uniform. The hope is that this year will help the athletes form bonds to make next year's season run that much more smoothly.

At the same time, Jeffery Sturm, the girls cross country coach, said the coaches are working to find the right balance. They want their athletes to get along but they will also have to coach them separately during competitions this fall.

"You know we're going to encourage them all," he said. "We've got three separate teams and we have to be encouraging to every single one."

As for the runners, they say the competition is fierce but friendly.

"Yeah we talk trash, poke fun. But it's all friendly," said Senior Gammon Long.

He said the added competition only makes him run harder.