There’s no place like (cross country’s second) home

During a recent day off, Cal Maritime's men's and women's cross country teams returned to Benicia State Park, a familiar environment since this is where cadet-athletes train at least once a week to prepare for the rigors of race day. However, covering multiple kilometers and keeping an eye on the clock were two elements of this afternoon that did not take place since everyone had other plans in mind.

Instead of running on various trails, the Keelhaulers were busy cleaning them during the first of numerous coastal cleanup projects that take place throughout the academic year.

"We performed this community service project in the past by collaborating with JoEllen Myslik (Cal Maritime Community Engagement) in the past," said head coach Jeff Ward. "What we try to do is integrate coastal clean-up with one of the program's off-days; we will throttle down our training for events like this because they also help everyone's legs recover."

Through her involvement in community service projects with Myslik, women's cross country cadet-athlete Mele Tuimaunei played an instrumental part in spearheading, organizing, and executing the program's first coastal clean-up of the academic year.

"Since we run there so often, it makes sense for us to do our part to help maintain that space. Even though that area is maintained well, we want to take ownership of our second home and do our part," added Ward.

Events like this one also support the NAIA's Champions of Character initiative since community service projects compliment, and enhance, cadet-athletes' undergraduate experience by incorporating the program's five key values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.

In its previous meet, the women's team swept the podium, and the men were responsible for three of the top four individual times at the PUC Pioneer Invitational, hosted by Pacific Union. The Keelhaulers' next meet is slated for October 22, in Rocklin, at the Warrior Invitational (hosted by William Jessup).