Jeff Moeller, sports correspondent

Last spring, Richmond Hill's Caden Gross discovered how success can raise expectations and can cause some negative effects. After he won the state cross country in eighth grade, Gross knew the bar was set high for the track season. But for him, it was almost set too high.

“In eighth grade cross country, I won the state meet, which created extremely high expectations for my upcoming track season,” reflected Gross. “I created a lot of pressure on myself to perform at my best every time.”

Gross began to despise the sport that changed his life. As a result, his performances suffered, and he wasn’t running up to his standards. His friends and classmates began to question if he had lost his touch.

He also felt and experienced the psychological effects.

“I just hated training and I didn't perform well in any of my races,” reflected Gross. “Everyone in school would always question how I didn't do my best.

“I was in a bad mental place.”

Gross then understood that he needed help to take the next step.

“It was hard to process, so I ended up having to go to a sports psychologist, which helped a little bit.”

After the season, Gross had a new outlook on his running. He regained his confidence and was back on the trail in high school. He clocked a 4;32 in the 1,600, a 9:39 in the 3,200, and a 16:20 in the 5K.

“I felt pretty confident coming into high school,” said Gross. “I knew most of the guys on the team and that my times could compete with them.”

Along with teammates, Gross leaned on head coach Levi Sybert and his staff for their constant support.

“I just trusted the coaches’ plans and kept giving 100 percent every day,” said Gross. “I knew I could get through it, and I also surrounded myself with other successful athletes.”

“I prepared myself mentally before a race by just trying to stay calm and locked in while also still having fun and being in the moment.”

Sybert has recognized Gross’ will to succeed despite his obstacles.

“Caden is extremely dedicated to his sports,” said Sybert. “He had a tremendous transition from eighth grade to ninth, and qualified in the largest classification as a freshman in the state.

“He has an awesome mindset that is open to adjustments and improvements in all aspects of his life.”

Gross initially started his running journey as a stepping stone to another sport.

“I started running in sixth grade because I wanted to do a sport,” said Gross.

“I wanted to do football, but my parents wanted me to wait until eighth grade to play, so I decided to do cross country and track instead because my dad ran track.

“I felt confident about my running after the seventh grade track season, which is the year I ran 4:51 in the 1600 and 10:44 in the 3,200, both being school records.”

His father, Bill, who was a hurdler at Virginia Commonwealth University, had been a steady pipeline of motivation.

“My dad has been super influential in my running career,” said Gross. “He was basically my coach all throughout middle school and gave me all my training plans. He has always shown up for me when I needed him and helped me get through hard times in my career.”

This season, Gross again is ready to set the bar high.

“My main goal is to place on the podium at states,” said Gross, now buoyed with confidence for the future.