The cross country team meets daily for long distance running outdoors. Runners at all skill and ability levels are welcome. Some choose to run for the competitive nature of the sport and others run to improve every day. Whatever your goal may be, you’re welcome here! All athletes are expected to do their best and try their hardest – this means walking as little as possible, having a positive attitude and consistently working to improve. Please note that continued academic performance (grades at or above “C” in all classes) and no referrals for behavior are required for participation on the team. Students may be asked to take time off from the team to improve grades or improve behavior at the coach’s discretion.

Our team has made it to both the Northern Division and County championship meets every season for more than a decade and we look forward to continued success in the future.

Ideally, athletes will have started conditioning work before beginning regular season practice. This could include doing a few consistent mile-plus runs per week or another cardio activity with 20-40 minutes of elevated heart rates.

The season runs from Aug. 29 to Sept. 26. Practice is held from 2:05-3:45 p.m. with parent pick-up by no later than 4 p.m. Practice is held behind school by the soccer and baseball fields. The Brandermill trails adjacent to the school will also be used for practice with oversight from at least one other coach.

Parent pick-up is in the main bus loop area on the side of the school accessible from Old Hundred Road. Carpooling is allowed if all parents/guardians approve in advance. Students who walk or ride bikes may use their regular mode of transportation to return home after practice.
Uniforms will be issued in small, medium and large sizes. All uniforms are washed before being issued and are unisex in appearance. A fee will be issued if uniforms are not returned at the end of the season.

Students will participate in both home and away meets. There will be some after-school travel to other schools, but buses are provided to return students to Swift Creek Middle; families do not have to travel to away meets to pick up their athlete.

There will be no practice in the event of (imminent) inclement weather; cross country practice cannot be held inside the school. If practice is canceled, it will be communicated as soon as possible once the determination has been made. We try to make a decision by noon.

There are no tryouts for the cross country team, and all are invited to join. However, poor academic performance (grades lower than “C”) or poor behavior or effort during practice could result in cuts if the issue is not resolved. All athletes must complete a physical and concussion form. Forms are available in the main office area. Students cannot participate until all paperwork is completed. Coaches will check for these documents before practice begins for the first two weeks. After that, the roster will be finalized and no new participants will be able to join.

Jonathan Harlock
jonathan_harlock@ccpsnet.net

Athletic Schedule

Athletic Manual

VHSL Physical Form

Concussion Form