The Eastlake Cross Country team is known across King County for its consistently strong running performance. But that’s not the only thing it’s known for, its upbeat team culture is what brings life to the team. Justin Hom, a senior and Captain on the team explained how “the pasta feeds we have before meets are just a great time to have fun, eat pasta and really bond as a team”. But the team bonding’s aren’t the only thing bringing this team together. At its center is the team’s unofficial mascot, Bone Jovi.  

Bone Jovi joined the team last season, originally meant as a one-time decoration for the Twilight Invitational. Bone Jovi was instantly adored by the runners and coaches alike and quickly became a symbol for the team’s vibrant culture, even having a shirt designed in his honor. Fiona Wolf, a junior and another captain on the team stated that “Bone Jovi brings so much hype when we’re all singing on the bus, and everyone loves him”.   

 The shirts, designed annually by Coach Jody Anderson, are a reward given to runners for completing the annual Week of Pain. He continued his star status on Instagram amassing a great following of runners and non-runners alike.  

 Although the cross-country season has come to an end, you can join Eastlake running by signing up for track or summer cross country. If you’re up to the challenge that is.