There has been plenty of elegant
and interesting writing about boxing, baseball, and even golf. But
if you're a runner who reads, or a reader who runs, you've certainly noticed
that running hasn't inspired much good literature.
Well, help has arrived in the
form of Sally Pont, who teaches English and coaches boys and girls cross-country
at Moravian Academy -- a private school in Bethlehem. Ms. Pont, as the
kids call her, has written a lovely and loving book about one season with
her teams.
Kirkus Reviews called the book "lyrical"
and "touching." I agree. Like the Madeline Blais story of high
school girls basketball (In These Girls, Hope is a Muscle), Finding
Their Stride is, happily, NOT another typical, clunkily written sports
book. Instead, it is a thoughtful and caring story about a quirky
group of interesting, bright kids, from the perspective of someone who
happens to be their cross-country coach.
By the way, there are a couple of Nittany
Valley connections. Sally Pont has an MFA in creative writing from
Penn State, and her teams' ambition is to qualify for the state championships
on the Penn State course.
This is a wonderfully promising debut book,
by a skilled young writer. It's also a fine reminder of why high
school cross-country is a terrific sport.