The current XC season (2024) sign-up is open. Have your student or yourself complete the Sign Up Google Form. This will place your student onto the team roster and added to the communications leading into the season.

Valid & Signed Sports Physical Form Valid & Signed MHSAA Consent Form Pay to Participate Fee Paid (for only 7th & 8th graders) Signed Athlete & Parent Program Agreement Athlete and/or Parent need(s) to join the team's BAND App for all communications

The program is for 6th, 7th and 8th graders.

During our previous seasons, we attempted to cater to athletes who participated in more than one sport. However, we discovered that it ultimately had a negative impact on our team as a whole. It is mandatory for athletes to attend all practices and cross-country meets in order to participate. If another sport does not conflict with our program's schedule, we may consider accommodating it. If there are any conflicts, a discussion may need to take place between the athlete, their parents, and the coaches.

Practice will take place directly after school is dismissed. Students are to get dressed at the school (locker room if they have access or use the school's restrooms) and then proceed to the track. Practice starts at 3PM and ends at 4:30PM. Please make arrangements to pick up your student at the end of practice.

Wednesday, August 28 from 3 pm to 4:30 pm.

Practices will take place on Mondays through Fridays. We will host the practice directly after school. Students must report to the backside of the baseball backstop next to the middle school. They must be dressed and ready for practice to start at 3 pm.

We currently have around 10 to 12 meets that we will compete at. Starting times for KAMSL XC meets are typically as follows: 4:00 Varsity Race (Boys even year and Girls odd years), 4:30 Varsity Race (Boys even years and Girls odd years), 5:00 JV Race (Boys even year and Girls odd years), 5:30 JV Race (Boys even year and Girls odd years) Invitiational XC Meets on Saturdays will have their own specific starting times. More details about these meets can be located from our XC Meets page.

Most middle school meets are 2 mile courses. For some invitationals and some meets we might see 1.5 mile courses

It is essential to have good running shoes for a successful running experience. This is especially true for middle schoolers who are constantly growing. I recommend purchasing a training shoe for your child that is suitable for both workouts and longer runs. It would be best to visit Gazelle Sports, where their walking stride and stance will be assessed to determine the appropriate style of running shoes. This is important because different individuals require different shoe styles, such as neutral, structured, or supportive. The team at Gazelle Sports is skilled at identifying the right shoe type and providing helpful suggestions. When it comes to cross-country spikes, it really depends on the individual athlete's preference. The structure and build of spikes are designed according to the distance the athlete is competing in. As a parent, I would recommend waiting to purchase spikes until later, as it is a personal decision. Our focus is on teaching the fundamentals of the program. While spikes may provide a competitive advantage at a meet, I have also observed that some kids at this age actually perform better without them.

When it comes to cross-country spikes, it really depends on the individual athlete's preference. The structure and build of spikes are designed according to the distance the athlete is competing in. As a parent, I would recommend waiting to purchase spikes until later, as it is a personal decision. Our focus is on teaching the fundamentals of the program. While spikes may provide a competitive advantage at a meet, I have also observed that some kids at this age actually perform better without them.

No. The coaches handle the team roster and roster registrations for all cross country meets.