By Bryce McKinnis

Eric Harding and his Owasso Rams cross country teammates are working to peak at the end of this year.

“Last year, we started out hot but started to fall down as the year went on,” the OHS senior runner said. “On a personal level, we — especially the leaders of the team — are making sure to constantly build each other up and pour positive energy onto our teammates.”

To Harding, leadership is more about encouragement than demonstration. As a senior, he will provide a pivotal force to underclassmen this year.

“Of course, there’s the basic things like taking change and showing guys what to do, but a lot of it is building relationships with everyone on the team and constantly building them up. Positive reinforcement from the top guys on the team, especially when you’re close teammates, goes a long way,” Harding said.

Especially with the mental challenges that come with running.

“It’s definitely different competing in a sport that’s as simple as running, but it’s still absolutely a team sport. You can be the best cross country athlete in the state, but it doesn’t matter if your team can’t back you up,” Harding said. “The best teams aren’t just great individuals, they’re holistic units.”

For Harding personally, remaining cognizant is the key to succeeding on the course.

“The challenge is staying sharp as a competitor while pushing your body to its limits. Every race is an all-out effort, and the biggest challenge is balancing that with the mental toughness and courage it takes to compete well in a race,” Harding said. “Some of the biggest things are having mantras to repeat and knowing that I need to be my best for my team. Everybody struggles on the court. The best runners are the ones that push past it.”

After high school, Harding plans to either pursue collegiate running or focus on academics at a larger university like OU.