Good Track/XC Programs for a Fun Runner

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

And that 7-10 kids could change weekly depending on times. IE someone on JV runs faster than someone on varsity in a meet (often the same location, different races) they bump the varsity runner down. Even if they are a senior with 3 years of varsity experience.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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.

And that 7-10 kids could change weekly depending on times. IE someone on JV runs faster than someone on varsity in a meet (often the same location, different races) they bump the varsity runner down. Even if they are a senior with 3 years of varsity experience.

At our school the top 7 did not change all season.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

The St. John's coach is amazing. Look up his credentials. And one never knows how any runner will develop, so you really can't say he won't improve tremendously.

Good point about how all runners in a program are treated and whether all compete, attend all sessions, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

The St. John's coach is amazing. Look up his credentials. And one never knows how any runner will develop, so you really can't say he won't improve tremendously.

Good point about how all runners in a program are treated and whether all compete, attend all sessions, etc.

Another vote for Coach D. (and all the coaching staff at SJC for XC/Track). Great program.

[Anonymous]

My kid is also a good, not great runner. “Fun” is exactly how he’s described the Burke xc team. I know not all boys and is also depends on your definition of strong academics, but he loved it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

Even though it is coed, I think the GDS running program would be a great fit -- won the MAC / sounds like a great environment for him