2025-2026 VIKING CROSS COUNTRY

The Viking Cross Country program is split up into girls and boys.  It is then split up into 6/7th and 8th grade levels.  The distance that an athlete will run in a meet is 2.0 miles.  The runners are not pressured into running more than they can handle.  Self-motivation, team unity and improving weekly are some of the goals that the program pursues.  The runners will compete in eight regular season conference meets.  Runners also have the opportunity to run in the conference tournament meet.  In addition, runners are selected based on times to compete at the IESA Sectional meet.  The top runners from the sectional meet go on to the IESA State Cross Country Tournament Meet in Bloomington in October.

Students are required to have a CURRENT physical on file with the school nurse by the first practice. Cross Country practice begins the first full week of school, and is held every day after school when there is not a meet.  Team members are expected to attend all practices and meets. The Athletic Fee for Cross Country is $100.  Each team member will be provided a uniform to be worn for meets and returned to the coach at the end of the season.  Team members have the option to purchase team spirit wear at the beginning of the season.

**McHenry Middle School is designated as Parkland's home course for meets.