Heat and humidity were a factor in the race on Wednesday afternoon.

SCRANTON, Pa. — High school cross country runners laced up their shoes this afternoon for the first race of the season in Lackawanna County.

With the summer heat sticking around, athletes need to stay hydrated to perform. 

“The team has responded well all summer. We trained for this, and I’m sure we’ll reach our goals by the end of this season,” said Jared Godlewski, the Riverside Cross Country Varsity Coach.



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Riverside High School is about to toe the line here at McDade Park. It is a big season for them, but before they get started, coaches remind them to stay hydrated.

“Sip on water all throughout the day and not just take it all in at once at the end. So, cause we wanna make sure they’re fully hydrated.”

It was a warm, humid afternoon. Temperatures were near 80 degrees at the start of the race at McDade Park in Scranton. The added humidity made it feel closer to 85.

Jack Davies is one of the team leaders at Riverside High School. He says hydration comes easy.

“Throughout the day I’m a big drinker. I have four to five 32-ounce bottles a day. I’m nonstop every class. I’m that kind of kid, so,” said Davies. 

It came so easily that he went out and won the race in under 17 minutes. The team had five of the first six finishers.

Jack has to stay hydrated because he has a soccer game Thursday … and another race Saturday. 

“Our coach likes us to try a lot of supplemental drinks like LMNT, Liquid I.V. I’ve tried them all. I stick with Liquid I.V.; I think the taste of it is best, but they’re all good for you,” said Davies.

Coach doesn’t suggest a specific amount to drink. He also advises them to stay out of the sun. 

“We get here, and the sun’s out; I say stay in the shade. Stay out of the sun. They don’t realize that, as young athletes, that the sun drains you,” said Coach Godlewski.

“We’re in the shade, and we have a nice breeze. This is good for us, but for the runners, they’d rather be cooler,” said Zig Bialkowski of Old Forge. 

The cooler weather will be here soon enough; the average high drops from 78 today to 55 for the state meet. Riverside High School has bigger goals than just this meet. They were runners-up at state last year and look to win it this year.