Annual rite of autumn hits the road this week: Cross country runningILWACO – In less than a week the school year will begin. Summer is near an end. As the kites are packed away and the Rod Run cars head out of town, it’s time for football games, volleyball matches, and, of course, cross country meets.

According to Craig Moore, MD, of Northwest Runner magazine, “Statistics show decisively that student athletes do better in life. They have better grades, fewer suicides, healthier habits, self-confidence, and handle the disappointments of life better.”

Coming out for the cross country (X-C) team can be a very positive experience for many students. Here are just a few examples of how X-C running could be the perfect activity for you, your friends or your child. The X-C team has been the most successful Ilwaco team sport for boys and girls in the last 20 years. Many Ilwaco runners have been extremely successful; Nate Appel, Kelli Oja, Ivan and Erin Bannon, Mike Anderson, Ernie Ammons, to name just a few.

For students who are feeling lost in the crowd, X-C is an excellent group to get involved with. Entering a new school or just starting new classes can be intimidating. Being a part of a team gives a feeling of belonging. Ilwaco X-C runners make great friends! They are nice, motivated, health conscious, caring, genuine people, who are fun to be around. (Parents, X-C athletes generally carry very high GPAs.)

The camaraderie is amazing! The older and more experienced runners encourage the younger and less-experienced team members at meets as well as practice. Every athlete is important and is recognized as vital to the team.

X-C promotes a healthy lifestyle. With the increasing obesity rates in America, healthy choices become a must. Running is the quickest and most effective way to lose weight. X-C runners are also encouraged to develop healthy eating habits. No junk food is allowed during the season. Athletes are taught how to eat properly to perform well.

Running X-C can raise self-confidence. The endorphins released by exercise help stabilize mood. This can be a very positive aspect for parents, teachers, friends and anyone else hanging around teenagers. Healthy kids feel better about themselves, and it shows.

Not everyone is a natural runner, but good form can be learned. Don’t let physical setbacks limit you. Talk to your doctor first, but illnesses such as asthma can be managed and do not need to be a barrier to running and race performance. Running does not require a certain body type. Male or female, tall or short, lean or stocky, anyone can run. Uniforms come in all sizes. No matter what your physique is like, you will feel comfortable with your fellow runners. The endurance gained from X-C running is helpful in all other sports.

Getting in shape for basketball is a common reason athletes join the X-C team. However, once they realize how much fun the X-C team has, just getting in shape becomes one of the many benefits, not their main concern.

Joining the X-C team is cheap. All you need is a pair of running shoes. If you have any difficulty finding or financing shoes, please contact one of the coaches.

Finally every X-C team member gets equal playing time. It doesn’t matter if you are the top runner or in the back of the pack, each athlete receives a chance to perform to his or her best ability. High school races are 3.1 miles while Jr. High athletes run 1.5 miles. So, whether you are an incoming 7th grader or a senior looking for a new experience, come join the Ilwaco X-C program. Anyone with the determination to run will get in shape, make new friends, and have a lot of fun!

Pre-school practices started Monday, Aug. 25 and will continue through Thursday, Aug. 28, with sessions at 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day. Athletes do not need to attend both but must participate in at least 10 practices in order to compete. During the academic year, practice will be held after school. The first meet is scheduled for Sept. 9 in Elma. If you have any questions or would like more information please call Joe Williams 642-3672 or Sarah Taylor 665-5732.