Although the distance from home is very large, there is no lack of family support for Robert Morris cross country runner, Brayden Boyd.

Even though Brayden Boyd, a sophomore Environmental Science major at Robert Morris University who likes to hike and play disc golf in his free time, is about three and half hours from his hometown of Chambersburg, Pa., his parents still come to as many meets as they can to show their support.

“My family tries to come to almost all of my meets. Last year, they drove to the Paul Short meet which is only about three hours but we’re in a meet in Louisville this year and I think they’re planning on driving down to Louisville, Ky. to watch the race.”

Boyd says having a family support system at almost all of his meets gives him the support and encouragement he needs to finish a race strong.

“It’s pretty nice having people at meets. You hear familiar voices from the crowd cheering you on just makes you get through a race easier, and it just mentally help you a lot.”

After an eight-year stretch of not having a team, the cross-country program came back last season, finishing last in the Horizon League standings.

Boyd says that the cross-country program is working towards rebuilding from the ground up and being a competitive force beginning with this season.

“[We want to] just prove to some people that we’re not a joke and we’re here to actually compete.”

The Colonials cross country team looks to continue this season strong as they gear up to compete in Louisville, Ky. at the Live in the Lou meet on Oct. 1.