In third grade, Lucas Barnes started swimming and learning the art of endurance. Then in sixth grade, he joined the cross country team, placing him in a duo of sports that would remain constant throughout his high school career.
“My dad was a D1 swimmer. He inspired me and asked me if I wanted to try it. I tried it out and fell in love with the sport. My dad recommended cross country so I tried it out.”
Barnes has worked hard to achieve great accomplishments in both of his sports. His current Cross Country season has continued to further him in his lettered sport.
“My biggest accomplishment was probably lettering this year and last year. Breaking 18 is probably my biggest accomplishment as an individual. I worked every day, showed up, and told myself to keep going even though it hurts.”
His accomplishments in Cross Country have not come without a challenge. He has worked hard throughout all of his practices to be able to make personal records and stay consistently good at his sport.
“The biggest challenge for me was the mental aspect. It definitely pushes your mentality. It’s a very mentally challenging sport.”
Overall, taking on two sports that require a lot of endurance has been a challenge Barnes has taken on. He has made many achievements such as making his cross country time of 17:44 and winning MVP for the swim team.
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