SEASIDE, Calif.- Taking a break from their own studies, a group of Cal State Monterey Bay cross country student-athletes took a trip with Head Coach Greg Rhines to the Montessori Learning Center in Salinas to give a glimpse into 'a day in the life of a cross country student-athlete'.

"The kids were very receptive to our being there. They asked very intuitive questions with the predominant question being 'Why do you run?' says Coach Greg Rhines. “One of our messages was that we are all cross country runners from age one or so. It is the very first sport we participate in, and don't even know it."

The Montessori Learning Center nurtures and guides children from ages 2 ½ to 12 years. The school was established in 1973 as a co-educational independent private school.

Seniors Hayley Tharp and Marie Beard where in attendance along with junior redshirt Oscar Peña and freshman Andrew McIntire representing the men's team. This group was the first involved in college athletics to visit the Salinas Montessori.

Working with three different groups ranging from 1st to 7th graders. Each group did a warm-up, stretches, a core circuit, speed work (relay races), and a cool down. Then there was a Q&A session with the students.
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"We educated the kids of the importance of running in almost any other sport you participate in,” Says Rhines. 'Heart' exercise is required of almost all sports out there, and running is the most efficient activity to get it strong".

"This visit, this event, is but the latest example of how Coach Rhines and his student-athletes are invested and interested in our local communities,” says Director of Athletics Vince Otoupal.

"CSUMB Athletics is proud of the continued efforts of the cross country program and we want to thank Montessori Learning Center for letting us come and work with them," says Otoupal.