After the pep rally, the cross country team ran the homecoming game’s football to Homestead all the way from Port Washington High School. The seniors ran 18 miles to deliver the football to the game. Anna Ward, senior, said, “I am so pumped for this run, and the homecoming game is always great since the energy of the student section gets everyone really rowdy and excited.”

Since 1988, the cross country team has run the game ball from the opponent’s school to Homestead. Because Port Washington is so far away, the girls ran it like a relay. Every mile or so, they switched off and hopped into the vans that trailed them.

Olivia Damron, senior, said, “Running the football from the opposing team to Homestead is super fun! I have been looking forward to this run ever since freshman year.” This has been a tradition for 27 years, and it continues to be something seniors look forward to.

Maddie Powell, senior, said, “The run is a symbolic way of combining two very hardworking sports at Homestead, and it’s a great example of how cross country runners are willing to go the distance.”

Nicole Gauss and Carly Albright, sophomores, both look forward to running the ball in their senior year. “Since the beginning of freshman year, we have always wanted to do this,” Gauss said.

Victor Vilar, head coach of girls cross country, said, “This gives the cross country team a taste of the homecoming excitement. This way, they get to be a part of the festivities.” At the end of their long run, the girls ran the ball across the field to the referee, and then the game began.