Good Track/XC Programs for a Fun Runner

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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

+1 she is incredible

[Anonymous]

The STA team also is part of a coordinate program with NCS. The kids train together, go to meets together, share coaches btw the schools. It’s a unique program for a single sex school, only a few sports at the cathedral schools offer this. The coaches are also phenomenal. The longtime head coach is on a sabbatical this year but his assistant has stepped in and is a wonderful coach who is super engaged with all the kids, not just the top runners.

[Anonymous]

I second everything about the coaches! And how good it is that the program is coed.

STA/NCS also have a joint one-week XC camp in Vermont in late August. Really wonderful opportunity for new students to meet their peers; my DC was new in 9th grade and it was a terrific way to start the year.

[Anonymous]

Can anyone comment on the XC schools for girls? Maybe Potomac and NCS? I’ve heard for some reason that XC at Sidwell is great for boys, bad for girls.

[Anonymous]

The GDS program matches your desires except it being coed. The seniors hold summer runs at a park, everyday, in June and August. Then, coaches from GDS and St. Albans/NCS hold dual practices at the St. Albans track in July. It's very inclusive - in preseason, DS talked about how the fastest runners are running 40 minute steady runs while the most novice are running for 10 minutes. The head coach pays more attention to the novice runners, and has a team of around 5 assistant and 8 volunteer coaches (who are all alumni and work day-jobs in DC, but come to help record and cheer at meets and practices) with the same vision. There's also a week-long preseason camp, and the kids love wearing goofy "psyches" at school the day before a meet. Strong team spirit and the loudest and most active cheerers at every meet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone comment on the XC schools for girls? Maybe Potomac and NCS? I’ve heard for some reason that XC at Sidwell is great for boys, bad for girls.

The Potomac coach mentioned previously heads up the entire track/XC program for boys and girls. Athletes who specialize in other sports do run for a season because of her. She has a way of making everyone feel valued, even if they aren’t one of the top runners. Among parents, she’s one of the people who is most often brought up as having a meaningful positive impact on their child.

[Anonymous]

With respect, a "fun runner" will likely be on the JV team at any of the local private schools. While I understand there may be additional factors influencing your school selection, given that he is not expected to compete for a leading position, a suitable program would be one that offers a positive and encouraging environment. I agree with a PP that GDS is noted for its strong team spirit, so my recommendation would also be GDS.

PS - If you are not aware, varsity cross country is typically seven runners and a fast kid may take one of those seven spots for four straight years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone comment on the XC schools for girls? Maybe Potomac and NCS? I’ve heard for some reason that XC at Sidwell is great for boys, bad for girls.

NCS has a strong program. Georgetown Visitation also has a strong program and has had the fastest runner and team for the last couple of years.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:With respect, a "fun runner" will likely be on the JV team at any of the local private schools. While I understand there may be additional factors influencing your school selection, given that he is not expected to compete for a leading position, a suitable program would be one that offers a positive and encouraging environment. I agree with a PP that GDS is noted for its strong team spirit, so my recommendation would also be GDS.

PS - If you are not aware, varsity cross country is typically seven runners and a fast kid may take one of those seven spots for four straight years.

Can you explain more about the PS? Is Varsity just the 7 fastest kid on the team regardless of age?

[Anonymous]

Maret’s XC team is incredibly supportive- led by the girls lax coach who is beloved. Kids really love their XC team and experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The STA team also is part of a coordinate program with NCS. The kids train together, go to meets together, share coaches btw the schools. It’s a unique program for a single sex school, only a few sports at the cathedral schools offer this. The coaches are also phenomenal. The longtime head coach is on a sabbatical this year but his assistant has stepped in and is a wonderful coach who is super engaged with all the kids, not just the top runners.

But it sounds like OP"s goal is to keep DS away from girls. Landon or the Catholic boys schools will be better at making sure he doesn't mix.

[Anonymous]

Gonzaga’s cross country team is no cut, and while my kid plays a different sport at the school, it’s my understanding that overall it is a good team with a wide variety of skill levels.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Gonzaga’s cross country team is no cut, and while my kid plays a different sport at the school, it’s my understanding that overall it is a good team with a wide variety of skill levels.

It also has winter and spring track and I believe both also are no cut.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:With respect, a "fun runner" will likely be on the JV team at any of the local private schools. While I understand there may be additional factors influencing your school selection, given that he is not expected to compete for a leading position, a suitable program would be one that offers a positive and encouraging environment. I agree with a PP that GDS is noted for its strong team spirit, so my recommendation would also be GDS.

PS - If you are not aware, varsity cross country is typically seven runners and a fast kid may take one of those seven spots for four straight years.

Can you explain more about the PS? Is Varsity just the 7 fastest kid on the team regardless of age?

Yes. Sometimes 10 depending on the meet and sometimes they will slide in a senior over a freshman on the back end. But generally 7 fastest runners run varsity, age is irrelevant. Even more so in girls XC where you frequently see superstar freshmen.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone comment on the XC schools for girls? Maybe Potomac and NCS? I’ve heard for some reason that XC at Sidwell is great for boys, bad for girls.

The NCS XC program is great. The girls support each other and have great camaraderie. The NCS team is smaller than STA but still strong. There are leadership opportunities even if you aren’t a varsity runner, several team captains are not in the varsity group. That said, observing other teams at meets it seems like the teams are all tight and supportive. XC lends itself to that, I think. It’s been an important and wonderful part of my daughter’s US experience!