By Mike Pugliese
Assistant Sports Information Director

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y. – Returning to campus after an unusual summer, the Bard College cross country teams, led by head coach David Lindholm, are aiming to improve on their 2019 season when they return to competition.

Unfortunately they won't be able to compete in the fall due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but are hopeful that there may be the opportunity to compete in track and field during the spring. Despite the disappointment of having a canceled season, Lindholm says that has not discouraged his team.

"So far, everyone is doing what has been asked of them, working hard and maintaining a good attitude." he says. "The first part of our season is a lot of easy, slow runs, which aren't always the most exciting workouts, but people are embracing the bigger fitness goals and hammering away."

The teams have nine incoming freshmen this year that will look to lead the team into the future, and Lindholm has liked what he's seen from the newcomers.

The enthusiasm and excitement within the team, and especially those new runners, is great to see." He stated. "We have a great group of first-years, but also a couple transfers and a few sophomores, juniors and seniors who are running as part of the team this year for the first time."

The head coach notes that it's been a bit of a challenge for the incoming students to build relationships with the rest of the team due to the circumstances of COVID-19, but likes that many of the returners have worked to make that happen.

"It's been harder this year for people to get to know each other, but I'm glad that some of our captains and leaders have taken on that challenge and are bringing the team together," he says.

Despite the cancellation of the season, Lindholm still believes that there are positives to be taken away from the fall semester, and thinks just being back at practice and getting in a routine can be a strong asset for the student-athletes.

"The goal for our runners this fall is to have their participation in cross country, as different from a normal year as it is, be a positive, stabilizing force in their lives," he says. "It's a difficult semester and everyone is going through a lot, so the mental benefits of running can be hugely helpful. We're just trying to support one another, get fit, and have some fun."