ANNOUNCEMENTS

FAQS

What is cross-country?
Cross-country is a series of races on grass, trails, dirt paths, etc. in which individuals and teams compete against one another. It is a rare sport where nearly everyone who comes out and puts in the effort improves. Running cross-country will get you into the best shape of your life and you will have a lot of fun and meet new friends in the process. Please ask around to those who have joined and/or look through pictures and results from prior seasons.

Who is eligible to participate?
Any 6th, 7th or 8th-grade student who has a current physical on file with the nurse and all of the necessary paperwork. Please have arrangements for this paperwork to be completed the first day you attend practice.

Are there try-outs or cuts?
We have a limited number of roster spaces available. Interested students should have their paperwork turned in within the first few days of school, pay their activity fee and attend practice.

How long is the course in meets?
2 miles (it is NORMAL to not be able to do this at first, we will get you ready). There are some invitational meets where 6th graders will run 1 or 1.5 miles.

When is the season?
Full team practices will start August 3, 2015 (9-10 am) at Apollo Park near the Tennis Courts. The season ends October 17, 2015 for those who qualify for the state meet. Please see the calendar below for more information. We also have a summer camp that begins at the end of June.

When are daily practices once the season starts?
There is practice every (full) school day, Mon-Fri from 3:05-4:15 pm (except days of meets). Students have a brief study hall before practice and are expected to bring something to silently read or work on.

Is there an all-conference meet? Who participates?
Yes. Each school may enter 7 seventh-grade girls, 7 seventh grade boys, 7 eighth-grade girls, and 7 eighth-grade boys in the conference meet. 6th graders are eligible to compete at the 7th grade level. Runners will be chosen to participate based upon their performance and dedication during the entire season. Major factors used for consideration include the number of times a runner finishes within the top 5 of their team and the particular place that they finish. Because courses differ, times are difficult to compare across meets and are not used as a primary factor.

Who are the coaches?
Joe Butler, Katy Garland, and Jenna Hinton. You may contact Mr. Butler at jbutler@sd161.org, Ms. Garland at kgarland@sd161.org, and Mrs. Hinton at jryan02@sd161.org. Please review the rest of the site for meet results, pictures, schedules, forms, etc.