All 5th – 8th grade boys and girls are welcome to join the St. Ignatius Cross Country team!!    Students may participate in more than one St. Ignatius sport at a time.  BONUS THIS YEAR!  All Cross Country participants may participate in Wednesday morning TIGER STRONG at no additional cost during the Cross Country season.  

Information session: Friday, August 23rd immediately after school at the lunch tables.  Parents are welcome to attend.

First practice:  Tuesday, August 27th at SI immediately after school until 4pm.  

The team competes in roughly 3 meets plus the championships. Meets are quick and there is no expensive gear to purchase. 

The team technically competes as a team, but the emphasis is on personal growth, motivation, and fitness.  Participants see their times and confidence grow from week to week. The sport is very, very social with non-stop talking during practice so it’s a fun way for kids to get fit and hang out with new friends.

Q: When are practices? 
A: Tuesdays & Thursdays, immediately after school.
Q: Where are practices?
A: The team trains on the American River Bike Trail meeting at the William Pond Park entrance (10 minutes from SI).  Practices conclude at 4:15.

Q: How do I find out more about St. Ignatius Cross Country?  A: Email Coach Nelson  cnelson@stignatiussacschool.org

Q: Can my kid get a ride from school?
A: Yes. The team leaves school at 3:10pm. If athletes need a ride the meeting place is the lunch tables outside 8th grade.  Parents are needed to help with carpooling athletes.  Contact Coach Nelson if you can help shuttle athletes back and forth for practice.  

Q: What if it rains?
A: Your kid will get wet. Lightning cancels practice. Rain does not. And, we figure out ways to work around heat too. 

Q: My kid does other sports. What if we can’t make every practice? 
A: Cross country is a great second sport. It’s okay if you can’t come to every practice. But, all teams members will be expected to compete in meets.

Q: How far do the kids run?
A: In a meet, they’ll run roughly a mile. Kids compete by gender and division (Varsity/JV.)  It’s a mass start. Roughly 12 minutes later, all the competitors are in and you’re free to leave as soon as your kid crosses the finish line. 
In practice, we’ll log anywhere from 2-3 miles. 

Q: Is it true I can get athletic hours while working out? 
A:  Sure is! Parents are always welcome to run with us and be an extra set of eyes and/or sherpa water on the trail! Check Helper Helper for volunteer opportunities.