Registration
Registration takes place in May/June.
Active Season
Fall season. Cross Country begins in early August and runs through mid-October.
Practice Frequency
There are 3 – 1 hour practices per week in August, prior to the start of school, and 4 – 1 hour practices per week once school starts. Most practices take place immediately after school, and It is strongly encouraged to attend at least 2 practices per week. Practices will incorporate long runs, hills, interval/sprint work, and games.
Meet Information
Preseason Invitational in August (potential)
Five Suburban Parochial League (SPL) Meets during the season:
- Four (4) Regular season meets (1st meet is Labor Day Weekend and then the next 3 Saturdays)
- One (1) Championship meet (last weekend of September or 1st weekend of October)
Post-Season Meets:
- Sectional Meet – only 10 boys and 10 girls participate (7 “starters” and 3 “substitutes”), selected by coaches
- State Meet - the weekend after the Sectional Meet; must qualify at Sectionals
Running Distances in Meets:
- 5th grade = 1.0 miles
- 6th grade = 1.5 miles
- 7th/8th grade = 2.0 miles
Parent Volunteer Commitments
Parent volunteers are required for each Meet. The specific duty and number of volunteers required is assigned by the league at the preseason meeting and varies from season-to-season. Typically 2-4 volunteers are required at each Meet. SJA co-hosts one Meet per year with St. Mary of Gostyn in Downers Grove where additional volunteers are needed for course setup the Friday afternoon prior to the Meet and as course marshalls during the Meet.
Uniform Costs
A uniform shirt must be purchased through the school vendor and is your child's to keep at the conclusion of the season. The uniform shirt may also be worn for the Spring Track season. Shorts are not purchased through the school vendor. The only requirement is that the shorts must be solid black. A company logo is permitted so long as it is small.
Awards
Suburban Parochial League
Cross Country Records
Hall of Fame