As others have said, the answer to your question can vary from school-to-school, so I'd call the school and/or try to contact the athletic director to pose this question and esp find out when try-outs start.

But I also want to add that although XC has traditionally been a no-cut sport at our (non-Wheaton) HS, it nonetheless is intense in terms of time commitment. Anyone wanting to be on the team needs to be at the first and subsequent days of (mid-August) pre-season workouts, and the team typically practices 6 days per week, unless there is a Saturday meet. Team members don't need to be incredibly competitive runners, but they do need to be committed to showing up and trying hard if they want to be on the team

Don’t know the answer to your question - at our HS even cross country is competitive and draws incredible athletes and high performing kids. But just wanted to let you know if you don’t already that tryouts are in the beginning of August for Fall sports (usually mid day) and practice starts right after that. Since you’re looking at Wheaton you probably have good public transportation options to get your kid there if you work and can’t drive them.

Good luck!

Cross Country (everyone will practice, but not everyone will participate in meets) and pickleball (a corollary sport, like bocci in winter)

At DD’s HS (not Wheaton), cross country picks up a lot of kids who are cut from other teams.

Walk into the High School Activities Office and ask. And if your kid does try out and doesn't doesn't make a team, walk -in and humbly ask inquire what teams are yet to have try-outs and might need players. It could change year to year.

Ask other parents in your neighborhood

I have a rising 9th grader who likes sports but not super talented nor determined but know he’d love being on a high school team.

Can folks list, by high school, which fall sports you know are tryout (competitive) vs walk on? (I’m interested in Wheaton HS.)