Teamwork

Interview with Christine Kalmer

Sport: Cross Country
Year in school: Junior
Events: Long Distance
Hometown: Roodeport, South Africa
Height: 5'6"

When did you start running?
At 6 years old!

What are some things you like to do besides run?
Shopping, hanging out with friends, and just being with family

Why did you choose the University of Arkansas?
There was a South African on the men's team here, so I thought it would be good to go to a place where there were other South Africans on campus.

Why is teamwork necessary in cross country?
Each member of the team needs to do their part so we can function well as a team unit. In meets and practice, we help each other to keep a steady pace. It's real hard to keep a good pace when you're by yourself. By trying to run as a pack, it encourages each person to stay with the group and not fall back so that we can get the best team score.

What would happen if you didn’t work together as a team?
If one person slacks off and doesn't do their part, then you can't get the final results you want as a team.

Is being a team player off the track also important?
Yes. I think having a support group is important, and my teammates are that support group even when we're away from the track.

What would you say is the biggest hindrance to teamwork for any group?
The same as I said for our team. If one person slacks off and isn't a team player, then the whole group can't get the final results that they want.

What are some things you can do as an individual to help your team work together?
I can help make sure that everyone understands what goals we are working for. Keeping our goals the same and working together toward those goals helps a team work together.

Have you had group projects to do in school? Yes!

What are some differences between a group that uses teamwork & one that doesn’t?
If you don't use teamwork in school projects, one person ends up doing most of the work, but everyone gets the credit. If everyone works together, you get much better results.

What advice would you give to middle school students about how they can be a team player in their family and why that’s important?
You need to know each others' strengths and weaknesses so that you can help others when they need it. You can also ASK for help if you are weak in an area. Being willing to help each other is what makes a family strong.