Pasta parties prep Rock Bridge runners

A huddled mass of Rock Bridge runners stood around a small campfire after their practice Thursday afternoon at Stephens Lake Park trying to stay warm. The smoke rising off the fire is similar to the steam rising off the gigantic bowls of pasta the team will enjoy Friday night at its weekly pasta party.

The pasta parties, which coach Neal Blackburn said are booked far in advance by team parents, have served as a way for the team to come together the night before a race to relax and have fun. With postseason district competition starting Saturday morning in Jefferson City , the party tonight will be full of ways for the runners to unwind. Relaxing before the postseason races is something Blackburn said he talked to his runners about at practice Thursday.

“We just have to keep doing the things we’ve been doing,” Blackburn said. “It’s really important to not be tense during the race.”

The gatherings have also been good sources of motivation before meets.

“When everybody spends the three or four hours together on the night before a race, it makes them want to go out and run their best for their teammates, who are also their friends,” Blackburn said.

Typically, parents will prepare several large plates of lasagna, bowls of pasta and bread. Chelsea Myers, a junior who frequently attends the parties, said the health benefits and vital carbohydrates make a big difference before a big race.

“The carbs are important — a lot of people are jealous because we get to eat so many carbs,” Myers said. “Not only are the parties good for us, they’re great fun too.”

Myers said some of the various activities the Bruins have enjoyed at past parties have included jumping on trampolines, playing hide and seek with teammates’ shoes, watching movies, and playing video games.

Even Blackburn gets a chance to joke around and be a part of the fun.

“I’m probably as bad as they are with being silly at the parties,” Blackburn said.

Sophomore Mattie Bennett’s family signed up at the beginning of the season and will be co-hosting the Friday night party for the first time. Bennett said the parties are a way for the team to increase bonding time.

“There is just a mood where we can chill,” Bennett said. “It’s a good time, and we all have fun.”