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12/25/2018 11:00 PMBen Crair loves the positive spirit that surrounds the Guilford boys’ cross country squad. The chemistry among the Indians encouraged Ben to immerse himself in the world of running. It also propelled him to a solid junior season that saw him lead the team as a captain.
Ben joined Guilford’s indoor track squad as a freshman, then went out for outdoor track, after which he signed up to run cross country in his sophomore year. This fall, the junior co-captain helped the Indians capture their 10th division title since 2008, finish sixth at the SCC Championship, and take fifth place in the Class MM State Championship. Ben finished in 29th place at the SCC meet, followed by a 21st-place performance at states.
“I felt the track and cross country teams were tighter and inclusive. It’s a great community, and I also love the individual aspect of running and challenging myself,” says Ben. “The people around me taught me a lot with how to be a good runner and person. With running, success is based on work ethic, and you don’t get results if you don’t put the time in. You have to be willing to put in the time and make sacrifices.”
Whether he’s traversing the cross country terrain or pounding the pavement on the track, Ben understands that there’s a cerebral aspect that comes with being a runner. Ben says everything he’s learned from boys’ cross country Head Coach Jon Rivera and outdoor track Head Coach George Cooksey have played a pivotal role in helping him produce a steady pace.
“Coach Rivera showed me the mental side of running, and Coach Cooksey has us do meditation and yoga, so that our bodies and minds are sharp,” Ben says. “A lot of people make the mistake of going too fast at the start of a race. At about the halfway point, I focus on a continuing stride. With about a mile or half-mile to go, I have to start thinking about trying to kick and giving it all I have.”
At first, Ben was a little hesitant about stepping into a captain’s role with the cross country team as a junior. However, Ben worked well with senior co-captain Will Dinauer, and the Indians’ underclassmen responded positively to the tandem’s leadership style.
“I was nervous at first about being a junior captain, but it ended up working out well,” Ben says. “Will Dinauer and I showed the younger guys that we’re invested in the team and have their best interests in mind. The guys were good with giving us a chance to lead.”
Coach Rivera says that Ben naturally took to his leadership role, while earning the respect of his teammates with his unrelenting work ethic.
“Ben Crair is a natural leader. He was an excellent captain this year who led by example. He is mature beyond his years,” says Rivera. “In terms of him as a runner, he is consistent, always gives you his best, works hard, and really wants to get better. Having Ben on the team, any team for that matter, is like having an extra coach to work with.”
As he looks at the overall scope of the program, Ben believes that Guilford’s success stems from some excellent mentorship, along with every athlete’s commitment toward contributing to the greater good of the Indians.
“A lot of the success comes from our coaches, and the guys before me also built up a culture that focuses on the team aspect,” says Ben. “We focus on putting the team first here at Guilford. It’s not about doing it for yourself, but for the rest of the team, which helps you get through the training and races.”