Good Track/XC Programs for a Fun Runner

[Anonymous]

My son is a good-not-great athlete, but he has really enjoyed his middle school running experience, and he would like to run in HS. Our focus is largely on all-boys, but, based on some initial research, I think STA and Gonzaga are a cut above where he is (right now--who knows!). We're fairly new to the area, and I can imagine that most all-boys schools come with strong athletics, but does anyone have any recommendations for all-boys schools with good but maybe not powerhouse running programs? This is obviously not the only factor we're considering in the process, academics are most important to us. But with so with many schools in the area touting strong academics, the running piece will help us narrow our search.

[Anonymous]

Well, there aren't that many all boys schools, so that narrows the field considerably:

Landon
STA
Prep
Gonzaga
St. Anselms

If you consider coed-
Potomac's coach is a former Olympian
SJC has a strong XC program

[Anonymous]

Adding The Heights, DeMatha, and Avalon as all-boys options. DeMatha has a very strong athletic program, so probably not exactly what OP is looking for.

[Anonymous]

STA's varsity is very strong and hard to make, but if your son is OK with running JV I think they're pretty inclusive for that

[Anonymous]

If you'd consider co-ed, everyone loves the XC program at Bishop Ireton. It's a great community with all levels of runners.

[Anonymous]

The GDS cross country program is well-regarded as a good program for all runners, and an especially good way for new students to integrate.

[Anonymous]

I would say generally (it changes year to year), the best all boys XC programs based on results:

STA
------
The Heights
DeMatha
Landon
Georgetown Prep

STA is a cut above but all of these programs have large teams with a variety of abilities. For example, STA has 50+ runners and a few guys in the 25 minute range.

https://www.athletic.net/CrossCountry/seasonbest?SchoolID=14938

[Anonymous]

Can't speak for Track & Field, but Cross Country is going to be pretty accessible even at the "powerhouse" athletic schools like Gonzaga and DeMatha. Like PP said, there will be runners with varying abilities, but pretty much anyone can run.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, there aren't that many all boys schools, so that narrows the field considerably:

Landon
STA
Prep
Gonzaga
St. Anselms

If you consider coed-
Potomac's coach is a former Olympian
SJC has a strong XC program

The Potomac coach is phenomenal as a mentor, too. A lot of non-xc athletes run xc or track there in their off season just to get her guidance. She’s amazing

[Anonymous]

I would encourage you to dig a bit on this one if it’s important to you. DC is in an “inclusive” XC program at their non DMV private, but the non varsity kids are allowed but ignored. Not permitted to attend lift sessions, no development, coaches barely know their names. I see other large programs at meets where there is much more esprit de corps, coaches and teammates cheering every last runner, etc.

Maybe attend a meet before the season is over?

[Anonymous]

I read OP’s post as “my kid really enjoys running and is a decent athlete but isn’t likely to be an elite level runner.” Look up schools you are interested in on Athletic.net to get a sense of times. Talk with coaches about how their programs are structured. Some questions: 1. If you have one combined team, how do you decide who runs varsity vs JV (top 8, what are typical times?), 2. If DS isn’t running with varsity will he do all the same workouts? Separate or together with varsity? 3. Training program—miles per week, etc.

There are a number of programs where a not elite runner can be part of a very strong program but the actual experience of a JV level runner on those teams varies widely so you’ll need to dig deeper. Other than St Anselms, I think the all boys schools are going to be harder to make for a middle of the road runner. Schools in the MAC conference might be your best bet but don’t think that includes any all boys schools.

[Anonymous]

GDS XC program sounds perfect for a kid like this. The coach is great, and the top runners include and mentor those trying to improve.

[Anonymous]

St. Anselm's has great academics and from what I can see, a laid back but active cross country team. They're in a different league (PVAC) from the powerhouse athletic schools. Maybe other PVAC schools like Burke would also fit the bill for more good-not-exceptional sports access.

[Anonymous]

Seconding the PVAC for the kind of runner OP describes. The Abbey's XC team finished in the top half of the league in every race this season, but it is a pretty laid back program and a place where runners of all abilities can compete.

[Anonymous]

Definitely apply to STA as the top choice. The cross country program there has been stellar for decades. Moreover, the school is in a beautiful part of the city, creating a nice backdrop for runs in that part of town.