Cross Country

This is a no-cut sport and everyone participates at meets.  ALL kids can be successful in cross country. With the application of work and effort, they are guaranteed to see improvement!  Cross country strengthens the body aerobically; helps build self-esteem and confidence while building a sense of team.  Athletes learn to set and reach goals and can continue with cross-country running in high school, college, and throughout life.

• Required forms for participation 
  • All Athletes need a physical to participate
  • District 49 Athletic Participation Form
• What is cross-country? 
  • Meet distance = 1.5 miles
  • Practice = up to 3.5 miles  
• Practices-
  • Athletes will meet outside the 8th grade bathrooms by the stairs at 3:25 PM and will be dismissed at 5:00 PM, please pick your student up on time outside the front office by the flagpole- Coaches will remain until all are picked up. Changes or cancellations will be made known 24 hours prior; inclement weather may shorten practice. 
  • All Practices are Mandatory
  • Practices will primarily consist of the following: stretching, continuous warm-up, distance running, abdomen exercises, and cool-down.
  • Twice a week, core and interval training will be included.
  • On the third unexcused absence, the student will be dropped from the roster.
  • Three (3) times tardy will equal 1 unexcused absence. 
• A Team vs. B Team
  • Initial timed trial runs will be determined. 
  • Athletes will have the opportunity to prove themselves and change teams during the season based on previous race times.
• Meets
  • Five practices are required to compete (League rules).
  • Coaches and student athletes will exhibit sportsmanship at all times.
  • The first five members of the team place…..the first four places are added up, while the fifth is dropped. The winning team has the lowest team score.(like golf)
  • Sign-up sheet to help with snacks and drinks on meet days (for example: Gatorade, Capri-Sun, oranges, grapes, crackers, etc.).
  • Busses will take students from Horizon to the meets. You can sign your athlete out at the meet. If you do not sign your athlete out, they will ride the bus back to Horizon and need to be picked up.
• Athletic Gear
  • Good running shoes 
  • Shorts, t-shirts (no tank tops), socks, cold weather gear, watch, water bottle
• Student-Athlete
  • Students cannot dress out for a meet if he/she   is deemed academically ineligible
  • Eligibility is set on Friday for the following week. Student can bring up the failing grade before the meet on that Monday.
• Weekend Workouts
  • 1.5 – 3 miles on either Saturday or Sunday (strongly suggested).

We as coaches will do everything possible to make cross country a fun and successful experience for all participants!

2025 Parent Letter