First Ever Grier Cross Country Team Hits the Ground Running
Grier is happy to announce the addition of a new varsity sport to its fall line-up. For the first time ever, Grier has a Cross Country team. Under the leadership of Coach Leen, the fast Foxes will compete against three District 6 schools during the 2017 Season.
The formation of the Cross Country team was prompted by student interest. In the past, Spanish teacher Ms. Leen has led a Grier Running Club. Members of this club expressed a desire for a varsity cross country team that would allow them to compete directly with other high school students. After the idea was approved by Grier Administration, the Grier Lady Foxes Cross Country team was born!
The team includes students who participated in the Running Club in the past, along with some new additions. The 2017 team includes: Fernanda S., Michelle S., Tess M., Sherry X., Emily B., Nora V., Katie S. (Manager), and Ivy Z. As for Running Club, while it has taken a backseat to Cross Country for now, it is likely to re-emerge in the Spring to give Grier runners the opportunity to run and compete in local community races.
Grier Cross Country recently competed in its very first meet against West Branch Area High School in Morrisdale, PA. Coach Leen congratulated the runners on their successful first meet, adding that “all players ran very well and showed true Grier Spirit. Well done!”
According to Runner’s World website, high school running “has it all,” due in part to the duality of individual and team competition and competition across all levels and abilities. Student athletes interested in running can begin the sport with little to no experience, while other sports may require a background of participation in youth sports. The website also notes that running is recently among the most popular of US high school sports, trailing only behind football. School Administrations and Athletic Departments are likely to embrace the sport due to its ease of access and minimal equipment. Given all this, it’s no wonder that Grier seized the opportunity to start a team.
Grier Cross Country recently competed in its very first meet against West Branch Area High School in Morrisdale, PA. Coach Leen congratulated the runners on their successful first meet, adding that “all players ran very well and showed true Grier Spirit. Well done!”
In preparation for two more upcoming meets, the team will continue to train here on the Grier campus and on the nearby Rails-to-Trails path. Since cross country race routes are typically 5 kilometers through natural terrain, these training locations are great for becoming accustomed to route surfaces including dirt, gravel, woodlands, and grass, along with the elevation changes of Central Pennsylvania hills. The next Cross Country meet is scheduled for Tuesday, October 10th against Saint Joseph’s Catholic Academy in Boalsburg. Grier has a final meet a week later against Cambria Heights High School in Patton, PA.
Grier School
2522 Grier School Rd. | P.O. Box 308; Birmingham, PA 16686-0308
Phone: 814-684-3000 | Fax: 814-684-2177
Phone: 814-684-3000 | Fax: 814-684-2177
