Sometimes when things end, other opportunities open up. For two Xavier golfers, senior Sam Martin and sophomore Nick Recker, an opportunity came about after the golf season ended. The boys’ golf team did not qualify for state at the district meet in Des Moines on Tuesday, October 4. Instead of throwing in the towel with their golf season being over, they grasped the opportunity to run.

On Thursday, October 6, two days after ending their golf season, Martin attended the cross-country MVC Super Meet at Noelridge Park in Cedar Rapids. Varsity had just finished running when Martin asked if he could run the JV race for fun, since it was the last race of the day.

At first Coach Hopp said no but when a runner who already raced gave Martin his extra cross-country clothes, he went near the start line and Coach Hopp was open to letting Martin run.

Being his first ever 5k, he finished with a time of 20:32.

“It was fun because of the fans and simply because I was in the moment. I did not have any time to beat or anyone to beat. I could just run,” Martin said. “It was something new, novelty, and just something I love to do.” After the race Martin asked Hopp if he could be on the team for the last week of the season and Hopp said yes.

In addition to Martin, sophomore Nick Recker decided to follow in Martin’s footsteps and join the cross-country team.

“I had a fun experience on a Tuesday morning run because we got to listen to music and after practice we went to Donutland,” Recker said.

Now these two athletes can mark off two different sports in the same season.

“I love the atmosphere. They all support each other and they have great team chemistry. It’s fun being around each other,” Recker said.

It was a great opportunity and a week to remember for the two new members of the team. As Martin said, “When one door closes, another one opens.”