The Noblesville Girls Cross Country team placed fifth in state in Terre Haute on Oct. 29.

As the team runs through another season, many are left wondering how they placed fifth in state. Despite many of the usual factors that contribute to the success such as the long and constant practicing and love for the sport itself the team’s success can also be attributed to their bond.

“We’re a very tightly knit team, and we trust each other enough to push each other to be better both on and off the course,” senior Susanna Sharples-Gordon said.

The team’s close bond may very well be that they are always together. From practicing to having a pasta dinners the night before a race, the runners spend hours with each other each week.

“We do things like camping, going out to dinner and having an overnight before a race,” senior Kilah Kuiper said.

While the girls may decide to get together on their own, coach Dennis Scheele plays a vital part in the team. By encouraging group events for the team, they don’t just become better runners, but better friends and teammates.

“Coach Scheele definitely helps create that group dynamic and bring us together. He makes everything interesting and constantly pushes us,” Sharples-Gordon said.

After all the dedication and energy has been poured into the season, the runners have not just grown a special place in their heart for each other, but for Scheele as well.

“Nobody wants to disappoint their coach, especially not when they have a heart like Scheele does.” Kuiper said. ”He’s not just the guy that tells us how much we need to run everyday. He truly cares about us, and we know that.”