Fellow team mourns death of student, runner

The Mount Vernon-Lisbon Cross Country team was in shock on Tuesday on hearing of the death of Mackenzie Lown and the injury of five other athletes and two passengers in the car crash near Tiffin after cross country practice on Monday. We share the grief and loss. Our hearts and souls and minds are with them.

Many people think of cross country as an individual sport - each runner doing miles of running alone. “The loneliness of the long distance runner” is a well recognized phrase from book, movie and song. But anyone who has been around a cross country team will recognize that the runners are as close-knit and connected to each other as any athletic team. They are fun, thoughtful, active, lively and caring people. Those without such qualities will likely drop out and not withstand the training rigors.

The team and community surely are deeply feeling mutual pain and loss. We reach out in caring to them and to the larger community of Clear Creek Amana that embraces them. Our girls' team will wear blue and white ribbons at the next meet in solidarity and compassion for Mackenzie, her team, and all who suffer for this tragic loss. We wish you peace.

Roger Johanson

Head coach, boys cross country

Mount Vernon-Lisbon