Hastings was an early adopter of a new sport in the state when the YMCA organizations began sponsoring cross country competitions. The three-and-a-half mile races were run in Lincoln.
In 1922 Captain Lowell Evans won the individual title in leading the Tigers to the team title. He was joined by teammates Sylvester Ryan, Fred Walker, Henry Brommer, and Orville Greenfield. All five Tigers finished in the top 11 individuals.
The Tiger cross country program was begun by Coach Dick Newman who led all HHS athletic teams at the time.
Sylvester Ryan and Fred Walker returned to lead the 1923 squad to a repeat title on November 14th. Walker was the individual champion. They were joined by Doyle Likely and Leo McKean
In both 1922 and 1923 Hastings was the runner-up in the University of Nebraska-sponsored "home course" state cross country championships. Each school would run a two-mile course in their own community and report times to NU athletic director Fred Schulte. Time were compared to determine winners.
Lowell Evans was the individual champion in 1922. Fred Walker tied for third in 1923. Hastings was runner-up to Milford in '22 and to Grand Island in '23.