By Andres Gonzalez, Online Editor
The thought of running two miles is enough to turn most people’s faces green. The thought of running two miles in the frigid cold is enough to make most polar bears get back to hibernating. Nonetheless, Eric Royer braves the wind and nose-reddening conditions to run two miles around the track while wearing a singlet that would make the ‘80s jealous.
Royer’s running began freshman year when he joined the only team who he knew would have to keep him around.
“I started running because I was riding the pine in every other sport,” remarked Royer, “and in running, everybody gets PT (playing time).”
Although Royer had been running track since the seventh grade, the running bug hit him even harder his freshman year at Reynolds High School. He expanded his running to all seasons, beginning with cross-country in the fall, indoor track in the winter and outdoor track in the spring.
While Royer found running liberating, fun and rewarding thanks to the results he saw from his hard work during practice, another contributing factor to his addiction to running was the close-knit relationships cross-country and track provided him.
“You become really close friends because all you do is talk while you run,” Royer said. “We’re all kind of quirky and super chill. Nobody takes things too seriously and it’s more like a family than a team. We do a lot of stuff outside of practice, too.”
The senior reminisced about the many adventures he has gone on with the teams, including a Whitaker Mansion mishap, the habitual pre-practice Frisbee toss and occasional golfing session.
“We got lost on the warmup and ended up running like three miles before we got to the starting line,” Royer recounted of Whitaker, sheepishly adding: “a minute before the gun went off.”
The fun times are shared by all.
“Eric is one of the most genuine teammates I have ever had in any sport,” said Terry Hines, who has run track with Royer since they were wearing the purple and gold of Hanes Middle. Hines not only respects Royer’s dedication as an athlete, but also lauds his team mentality and respect.
“The moment that endeared Eric to me as the greatest teammate was in our junior year. Dustin Sneed ran an excellent mile, beating Eric’s best time,” Hines said. “The first thing Eric said to Dustin was ‘Good job,’ and was excited like he himself had set a personal record. Eric was excited for his teammate and never at one point seemed resentful.”
Royer’s unselfishness and ability to set a spotless example for his teammates is legendary, picked up on not only by his peers but also his coach. His hard work and dedication to the team has seen the Demons take great strides from an almost stagnant squad to a contender.
“He’s been the backbone of this team and one of the best senior captains I’ve ever seen,” coach Ryan Solomon said. “I’ll hold the leaders of the team in the future to Eric’s expectation.”