Cross country opponents gather for impromptu prayer

https://youtu.be/3LHn1h9liTo

(AURORA, Ind.) – Student-athletes from various schools came together for a faith-filled moment this weekend. 

More than 10 cross country teams from across the area competed in the South Dearborn Invitational on Saturday. 

One of those teams was South Ripley and they hold a group prayer prior to every competition. 

On Saturday, the inclement weather caused the race to keep getting postponed. 

That’s when South Ripley runner Carter Yelton and this teammates came up with an idea. 

They started asking the other teams to come over toward them. 

Every boy's competitor then gathered together, wrapped their arms around each other and Yelton led them in a group prayer. 

“I was very nervous, but it gave us all what we needed to run a great race. I just hope that the community notices that cross country isn’t just about running and winning. It’s about family, making friends, and doing things together,” Yelton told The 812.

The other teams that were involved in the group prayer and competition included:

• South Ripley

• Scott High School

• Lawrenceburg

• Simon Kenton

• Franklin County

• Connersville 

• Taylor 

• Rising Sun 

• Milan 

• South Dearborn 

• Jac-Cen-Del

“I believe that that is what Cross Country is all about, it’s about challenging yourself and being there for your teammates and opponents alike,” Yelton said.

You can watch a brief video from the group prayer by clicking the media player above.