Teammates Provide Competition and Camaraderie

People unfamiliar with cross-country may think it is strictly an individual sport, but a lot depends on teamwork. Though runners often race individually, the team scores points collectively, so it is important that everyone is running strong.

As a senior, Samantha Nizich ran cross-country at Central Catholic High School (Portland, Oregon) this year, and she is happy to encourage other potential runners, just as her role models encouraged her.

Motivation to Push Through

“It is not only at races that cross-country is a team sport but at practice too. It is sometimes hard to find motivation to get through workouts, but having teammates to push you makes it manageable and fun!”

Samantha credits Julia Green, her former “runner bud” and current Santa Clara University cross-country team member, with showing her how to be a successful team leader and determined runner, as well as a dedicated student.

“I have been lucky enough to have the best role model show me the way for my first three years of high school. Julia was always the one inviting me to join her on long runs or yelling at me to stick with her during a hard workout. Her drive has made me want to achieve more and be the best I can possibly be.”

This camaraderie extends to the larger team too. Her teammates are her favorite people and best friends, and there is no separation based on age or even skill.

Challenge Yourself and Your Team

After her experience at CCHS, she has some clear advice for beginners.

“Put on those Nikes and get goin’! My advice for new runners is to not be afraid to challenge yourself and others on the team by running up with them. Holding back not only hurts you and your times, but it does not force the experienced runners to fight for their spot. Also, try different race strategies. Get out faster one race and start conservative the next; this is the only way to figure out what works best for you.”

Although sports take up time, Samantha says she wouldn’t trade running for sleep, because she feels more focused after a good workout and even has time to think of essay topics for schoolwork while running! Aiming high pays off in more ways than one.

Les Schwab Tire Centers is a proud sponsor of the Oregon School Activities Association.

Setting Herself and Her Team up for Success

Rachel Thompson is a senior scholar-athlete and setter for the varsity volleyball team at Benson Polytechnic High School. As a setter, she has to take control and lead the team; the position is usually compared to that of a quarterback in football, requiring a person to communicate well and make decisions.

But Rachel isn’t just a team leader, she’s also a team player:

“Honestly, the best part of my day is coming to practice and playing with my girls,” Rachel said. “I love every single individual on my team. At this point we’re a family, and nothing could break that bond. Being able to see all of my sisters for those 2.5 hours of the day genuinely makes me happy and keeps me going. This team in is my blood. They may not know it, but they mean the world to me.”

The team’s grade point average is high, because nothing but the best is expected of them on and off of the court. Rachel says that playing on the volleyball team pushes her to rise above and makes her want to be the best player and person she can be.

In addition to prepping her homework and classwork ahead of time, so she can devote more of her attention to her sport when she competes, Rachel has one surprising strategy for getting her game on.

“When it comes to right before the game, I usually listen to music. My teammates don’t even know this, but my No. 1 pre-game song to listen to is the Prelude to Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1. It’s so weird to listen to classical music to pump up, I know! But it helps calm me and keeps me focused on the game ahead.”

We can relate to a team that sets high standards for itself. Go, Techsters!

Les Schwab Tire Centers is a proud sponsor of the Oregon School Activities Association.

Raising Awareness with Pink Fridays

It’s exciting when you can support a great cause such as Susan G. Komen Oregon & SW Washington and the Race for the Cure®. Once again, Les Schwab employees in Oregon and SW Washington showed their support for breast cancer awareness with a bi-weekly September event called Pink Fridays.

Wearing pink polos on select Fridays in September was just one of the many ways we supported the cause. In addition, fundraisers were held all month long in stores throughout the region to help with the Treatment Access Program that provides patients with gas, food and lodging. We also held car washes to support the Susan G. Komen Latina Initiative.

“We are honored to have worked with Susan G. Komen Oregon & SW Washington over the past nine years to help people fight this terrible disease,” said Aaron Smithers, manager, Portland Powell Blvd.

The Race for the Cure® took place on Sunday, September 16, 2018, at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland. The event is expected to raise just over $700,000 for research, care, community, and action in the fight against breast cancer.

Les Schwab is honored to do what we can and bring as much attention and support to breast cancer awareness in the communities we serve and beyond.