Good morning Hornet Family! Last week was the final week of the season with runners going to different meets. Read about their performances at East Lansing and Portage here!
This Week's Schedule
October 12th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
October 13th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
October 14th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
October 15th: Half Day, practice at 11:20 a.m. from the Team Room
October 16th: River Rat Invite at Willow Metropark
Important Information/Reminders:
Coach Harrison needs help at a water stop for the Detroit Marathon. Limited spots are open - guaranteed cool swag if you sign up for a spot. First to sign up get the gear. Sign up here!
Attention Seniors!! The Mike Smith Scholarship is now accepting applications. They have also raised the amount to $2000. Application instructions are here. Apply soon!
The rest of the shorts have arrived and are now available to order on the website! Please use the link below to place your order:
The 2026 Saline XC Store is officially open! You can visit the link here to order any team branded gear :)
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Kathy Gage can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photos you take.
Looking Further Ahead:
10/22 - Jambo 3. This will be the final meet of the season for those not competing as part of the post season team
Good morning Hornet Family! We have entered the final month (weeks!) of the regular season. The boys showed their accumulated mileage and strength at Jamboree 2, Marauder and Otsego last weekend, Read about it here.
This Week's Schedule
October 5th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
October 6th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
October 7th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
October 8th: East Lansing Invite for athletes above 19:10
October 9th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
October 10th: Portage Invite for athletes below 19:10
Varsity Race at 1:00 p.m.
Reserve Race at 3:00 p.m
Important Information/Reminders:
Coach Harrison needs help at a water stop for the Detroit Marathon. Limited spots are open - guaranteed cool swag if you sign up for a spot. First to sign up get the gear. Sign up here!
Attention Seniors!! The Mike Smith Scholarship is now accepting applications. They have also raised the amount to $2000. Application instructions are here. Apply soon!
The rest of the shorts have arrived and are now available to order on the website! Please use the link below to place your order:
The 2026 Saline XC Store is officially open! You can visit the link here to order any team branded gear :)
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Kathy Gage can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photos you take.
Looking Further Ahead:
10/16 - River Rat Invite
Good evening Hornet Family! WHAT A WEEK. At the Jackson Invite, now known as “PR City”! Read about it here.
This Week's Schedule
September 28th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
Pasta Dinner # 2 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at the Klein’s house
September 29th: Jamboree 2 at Willow Metropark
Bus leaves at 2:20pm
September 30th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
October 1st: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
October 2nd: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
October 3rd:
Varsity- Otsego Bulldog Invite at Otsego High School
JV- Marauder XC Invite at Lake Erie Metropark, bus leaves at 6:30am
NOTE: Just a portion of the team will run at the Otsego Meet. The selected athletes for Saturday will be informed early in the week of which race they are competing in.
Attention Seniors!! The Mike Smith Scholarship is now accepting applications. They have also raised the amount to $2000. Application instructions are here. Apply soon!
The rest of the shorts have arrived and are now available to order on the website! Please use the link below to place your order:
The 2026 Saline XC Store is officially open! You can visit the link here to order any team branded gear :)
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Kathy Gage can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photos you take.
Looking Further Ahead:
10/8 - East Lansing Invitational
10/10 - Portage Invitational: Runners will participate in either East Lansing or Portage - not both!
We have officially completed our first Jamboree! It's always hard to race at the end of a school day, and hot and humid conditions certainly don't make it any easier. Our boys still showed up and pushed themselves and we had some really good performances at Pinckney High School. Read about it here.
This Week's Schedule
September 21st: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
September 22nd: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
September 23rd: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
September 24th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
September 25th: Jackson Invite JV (Boys at 5:30 p.m.)
September 26th: Jackson Invite Varsity (Boys at 9:00 a.m.)
Bus leaves at 6:30am (shared bus with girls team)
NOTE: The majority of the team will run on FRIDAY at the JV Invite. The selected athletes for Saturday will be informed early in the week of which race they are competing in.
Important Information/Reminders:
Volunteer Opportunity!! The family of one of our boys teammates is active in the annual Buddy Walk which takes place on 9/27/2026. They are looking for volunteers for this week's event. It would be great if you have the time and can support this event. Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0A4FAAAF2EA13-65870205-cross
Attention Seniors!! The Mike Smith Scholarship is now accepting applications. They have also raised the amount to $2000. Application instructions are here. Apply soon!
The rest of the shorts have arrived and are now available to order on the website! Please use the link below to place your order:
The 2026 Saline XC Store is officially open! You can visit the link here to order any team branded gear :)
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Kathy Gage can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photos you take.
Looking Further Ahead:
9/29 - Jambo 2 @ Willow Metro Park
10/3 - Marauder Invitational @ Lake Erie Metropark OR Otsego Bulldog Invite @ Otsego High School
In week Five, things finally settled down with the weather and the back to school schedule. The team got after it in a training focused week with Jambo 1 on the horizon. This week, the real racing season begins!
New parents might be wondering, "What is a Jambo? And what about Jamboree??". In Michigan, conference teams race each other throughout the season to see how they stack up against each other before the Conference Championship. It's an attempt to keep a season record like other fall team sports. In our conference, the SEC, we run two Jamborees, which most runners and coaches refer to as "Jambos", before the championship. In Jambo 1, all teams from all divisions in the conference race each other, so it's a large one! In Jambo 2, we split into just our divisions (we are Division One, the largest category in the state, if you didn't know) and see how the teams rank one last time before the final meet. "Jambo 3" is better known as the SEC Red Conference Championships, where the winning team is the official SEC Champion. For some teams, mid-week jambos are a nuisance and a distraction from training. We are lucky enough, however, to be in one of if not the most competitive conferences in the state of Michigan so these meets offer us excellent opportunities to run against the best without having to travel very far (usually, looking at you Bedford!)
This Week's Schedule
September 14th: PRE MEET practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
Jamboree #1 Pasta Dinner at the Rogan House! 6:30 p.m.
September 15th: Jambo 1 @ Pinckney High School
Boys Varsity at 4:30 p.m., JV at 5:30 p.m.
September 16th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
September 17th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
September 18th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
Important Information/Reminders:
The rest of the shorts have arrived and are now available to order on the website! Please use the link below to place your order:
The 2026 Saline XC Store is officially open! You can visit the link here to order any team branded gear :)
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Kathy Gage can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photos you take.
Coach Harrison needs help at a water stop for the Detroit Marathon. Limited spots are open - guaranteed cool swag if you sign up for a spot, counts for volunteer hours for clubs. First to sign up get the gear. Sign up here!!.
Looking Further Ahead:
9/25 & 9/26 - Jackson Invitational (JV Race on 9/25 and Varsity on 9/26)
9/29 - Jambo 2 @ Willow Metro Park
For Week Four of the season, Michigan decided to throw some real fun Midwest weather our way! The team event on Monday night was amazing and it was super cool to see so many parents there both spectating and running. Hopefully next week the weather returns to normal and we can get back to business. Thanks to everybody for rolling with the punches this week.
This Week's Schedule
September 7th: no practice, Labor Day
September 8th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
September 9th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
September 10th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
September 11th: practice 3:05 p.m. from the Team Room
Important Information/Reminders:
The 2026 Saline XC Store is officially open! You can visit the link here to order any team branded gear :)
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Kathy Gage can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photos you take.
Coach Harrison needs help at a water stop for the Detroit Marathon. Limited spots are open - guaranteed cool swag if you sign up for a spot, counts for volunteer hours for clubs. First to sign up get the gear. Sign up here!!.
Looking Further Ahead:
Tuesday September 15th SEC Jamboree #1
Week three of the official Saline Boys XC season saw some blazing times on the home course! A write up of notable performances can be found here. New parents, expect a write up of our meet(s) every Sunday at this same tab.
This Week's Schedule
August 31st: practice 8:00 p.m. at the high school track
It's going to be hot as school starts. To manage the extra stress that school adds, we want to make some adjustments to avoid a hard workout in adverse conditions. Coach Smith has designed a fun team workout to do in the evening!
September 1st: practice 3:00 p.m. from the Team Room
September 2nd: practice 3:00 p.m. from the Team Room
September 3rd: practice 3:00 p.m. from the Team Room
If you have a pre-planned Labor Day weekend trip prevening your student-athlete from being at practice on Thursday, please have him communicate this with one of the coaches ASAP.
September 4th: no practice, Labor Day Weekend
Important Information/Reminders:
The 2026 Saline XC Store is officially open! You can visit the link here to order any team branded gear :)
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Kathy Gage can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photos you take.
Coach Harrison needs help at a water stop for the Detroit Marathon. Limited spots are open - guaranteed cool swag if you sign up for a spot, counts for volunteer hours for clubs. First to sign up get the gear. Sign up here!!.
Looking Further Ahead:
Tuesday September 15th SEC Jamboree #1
Week two of the official Saline Boys XC season saw some incredible performances at Lamplighter! A write up of notable performances can be found here. New parents, expect a write up of our meet(s) every Sunday at this same tab.
This Week's Schedule
August 24: practice 7:45 a.m. AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL TRACK!
Freshmen will be at high school orientation, but it's still the expectation that they will get a run in before the day's end!
August 25: practice 7:45 a.m. AT MARSHVIEW PARK
August 26: practice 3:30 p.m. from the Team Room
August 27: PICTURES at 3:30 p.m. by the pond across from the high school, practice to follow.
August 28: SALINE CAMPUS INVITE
The race will start at 8:30 a.m. for the boys!
We need volunteers for this meet. If you are able to help, please sign up here.
Important Information/Reminders:
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Kathy Gage can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photos you take.
Saline XC helps with one of the Elite Fluids Stations at the Detroit Free Press Marathon. This is a really easy way to get volunteer hours in while watching some of the fastest runners in the country go by the table our team helps set up with their personal bottles of calories and electrolytes to stay fast until the end of the race. Coach O is the Elite Field Director for the race and this help from the team has been amazing! A sign up sheet will go out this week for any boys interested in helping in October.
Looking Further Ahead:
8/31, THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!
See you on the course!
Coach O
We finished week one of the 2026 Saline XC season with a successful Time Trial. Thanks to all the parents who helped make this a great night for the team! A write up of notable performances can be found here. New parents, expect a write up of our meet(s) every Sunday at this same tab!
This Week's Schedule
August 17: practice 7:45 a.m.
August 18: practice 7:45 a.m.
August 19: practice 7:45 a.m.
August 20: practice 7:45 a.m.
August 21: Lamplighter Invitational
The bus will leave at 6:00 p.m. for the boys.
There will be two busses home: 10:30 p.m. for JV, Varsity bus arriving around 12:30 a.m. back at SHS.
Normally, athletes are expected to ride the bus to/from each meet. This one may be an exception due to the nature of the late race start/finish times. Please communicate with a coach if your athlete will be traveling with you.
Athletes, please bring your own food to this meet. There will be no snack table like we normally have.
Important Information/Reminders:
Team Shorts / Half Tights
All athletes are expected to purchase their team shorts or half tights. These are purchased through the team and will belong to the athlete to keep.
Team Apparel Link:
https://saline.revtrak.net/Athletics-4/sports/cross-country/boys-cross-country/boys-cross-country-clothing-items
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Kathy Gage can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photos you take.
Looking Further Ahead:
8/27 - Picture Day. Normal practice at 3:00 p.m. (pre-meet) and then we have pictures scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Pictures will take place by the pond across the street from the high school.
8/28 - Saline Campus Invite - We will race at 9:00am. We need volunteers for this meet. If you are able to help, please sign up here.
See you on the course!
Coach O
Hello Saline Cross Country Families,
If you are receiving this email, you have an athlete registered for Saline Boys Cross Country this fall. I apologize for sending this information so close to the start of practice. I wanted to wait until we had as many athletes and parents registered as possible so that I could send everyone the same information.
Important Registration Reminder
Receiving this email does not necessarily mean your athlete is fully registered and cleared to participate. Before an athlete can practice, all required registration steps must be completed through Final Forms, including:
Student signature
Parent signature
Payment
Current physical on file with the school
Please make sure these items are completed as soon as possible. Athletes who are not fully registered and cleared may not be able to participate in practice.
First Practice — Monday, August 10
The school website currently lists practice as starting at 7:30 AM. For the boys team, practice will actually begin at 7:45 AM. The girls team will begin at 7:30 AM.
Athletes should arrive already changed and ready to go before 7:45 AM. We will meet in a classroom located just inside the Athletic Entrance at Saline High School.
Athletes should bring running shoes, a water bottle, and anything else they normally use for practice.
Parent Meeting — Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 PM
We will have a parent meeting on Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 PM in the Diversity Hub, located in the Commons/Cafeteria at Saline High School. We will go over the program, expectations, training, communication, and other important information for the season.
Team Communication
All future communication from me will be done through SportsYou. Please make sure both athletes and parents join the team.
SportsYou Access Code:
U9RVGT39
Schedule
The most up-to-date meet schedule can be found on our Athletic.net page. Please use this schedule rather than the schedule listed elsewhere online.
Athletic.net:
https://www.athletic.net/team/12715/cross-country/2026
First Meet — Friday, August 14
Our first meet will be Friday evening, August 14. The boys' race will start the evening at 6:30. Athletes should arrive at the track barn by no later than 5.
Team Shorts / Half Tights
All athletes are expected to purchase their team shorts or half tights. These are purchased through the team and will belong to the athlete to keep.
Team Apparel Link:
https://saline.revtrak.net/Athletics-4/sports/cross-country/boys-cross-country/boys-cross-country-clothing-items
Finally, there will be an optional coaches meeting for any parents who would like to stay and meet the coaching staff. This is completely optional, and there is no expectation that parents attend.
I am excited to get the season started and get to know everyone. We have a great group of athletes, and I am looking forward to building a strong team culture and having a great season together.
Please reach out if you have any questions before tomorrow.
Go Hornets!
Coach Smith
Saline Boys Cross Country
Thank you,
Kaleb Smith
Saline High School Athletics
Click here to access FinalForms
This Week's Schedule
Mon.-Fri. (10/27-10/31) Practice at 3:05 p.m. in team rooms JUST FOR STATE MEET ATHLETES.
Fri. 10/31 State Meet Sendoff
4:30 p.m. Saline Athletics parking lot entrance
Sat. 11/1 MHSAA Division One State XC Finals at the Michigan International Speedway.
HERE is the info for the State Finals
Here are the important things to know:
The Division 1 Boys race is at 3:30 p.m.
The Awards Ceremony is at 4:15 p.m
It is $11/person for spectator entrance to the meet
Transportation info for race morning will be communicated with the parents of state meet runners NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY of this week.
Notes and Reminders for This Week
This week we will be at MIS for the 2025 MHSAA XC State Championship Race.
The State Meet sendoff is open to all runners and families as a way to bring good fortune to our state meet runners.
Our banquet will be the following Wednesday!
Thank You!!!
Thank you to the many families helping with post-race snacks.
This team could not be as successful as it is or carry the history it's known for without the families involved in making this all happen. No matter where your child ranks on the team, everybody plays an extremely important role in keeping Saline XC the program that every other student-athlete in the state would dream to be a part of. THANK YOU SO SO SO MUCH!
Looking Further Ahead
Wed. 11/5: 2025 Saline XC Banquet
Links You Should Already Have:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
This Week's Schedule
Mon. 10/20 NO PRACTICE FALL BREAK
Tues.-Fri. (10/20-10/24) Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms JUST FOR REGIONAL ATHLETES.
Sat. 10/25 Region 05-01 Championships at Lake Erie Metropark
Notes and Reminders for This Week
This week we will be at Lake Erie Metropark for our Regional Championship meet. The Metroparks are incredibly crowded and access is notoriously slow. If arranging your son's transportation, allow for for plenty of extra time to enter, park, and find the team tent.
There is a fee to enter the Metroparks.
If your son is not riding the bus home, we still would like for him to stay for the post-race team chat and to help with loading equipment onto the bus.
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Scott Hayes can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photo's you take. Please reach out to Scott at s.k.hayes@icloud.com if you are able to help.
Thank You!!!
Thank you to the many families helping with post-race snacks.
Looking Further Ahead
Mon.-Fri. (10/27-10/31) Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms JUST FOR STATE MEET ATHLETES.
Sat. 11/1 MHSAA Division One State XC Finals at the Michigan International Speedway.
Links You Should Already Have:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
This Week's Schedule
Mon.(10/13) Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Tues. (10/14) Practice at Hudson Mills for C GROUP ONLY w/Coach O at 3:30pm, Everybody else at team room at 3:05pm as usual.
Wed (10/15) Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Boys and Girls Team Pasta Dinner @ Saline High School Commons 6:30-8:00 pm.
Thurs. (10/16): SEC HS Championship at Hudson Mills
Fri. (10/17): Practice just for REGIONAL athletes at 11:30am (half day of school)
Notes and Reminders for This Week
This week we will be at Hudson Mills Metropark for our SEC Championship meet. The Metroparks are incredibly crowded and access is notoriously slow. If arranging your son's transportation, allow for for plenty of extra time to enter, park, and find the team tent.
There is a fee to enter the Metroparks.
If your son is not riding the bus home, we still would like for him to stay for the post-race team chat and to help with loading equipment onto the bus.
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Scott Hayes can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photo's you take. Please reach out to Scott at s.k.hayes@icloud.com if you are able to help.
Thank You!!!
Thank you to the many families helping with post-race snacks.
Looking Further Ahead
Mon.-Fri. (10/20-10/24) Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms JUST FOR REGIONAL ATHLETES.
Sat. 10/25 Region 05-01 Championships at Lake Erie Metropark
Links You Should Already Have:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
This Week's Schedule
Mon. (10/6) - Thurs. (10/9): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Fri. (10/10): 20th River Rat Open at Willow Metropark
Notes and Reminders for This Week
We learned recently that weekday busing will be limited this fall. This was news to us, and we too are frustrated. It looks like we will frequently need assistance in transporting athletes this fall. While attendance at meets is mandatory, if a bus is not provided and a kid cannot get self-transport, they will not be penalized.
If your son is not riding the bus, he must be at the team race site at least 1 hour before his scheduled race. Athletes that arrive late will not compete.
The Metroparks are incredibly crowded and access is notoriously slow. If arranging your son's transportation, allow for for plenty of extra time to enter, park, and find the team tent.
There is a fee to enter the Metroparks.
If your son is not riding the bus home, we still would like for him to stay for the post-race team chat and to help with loading equipment onto the bus.
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Scott Hayes can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photo's you take. Please reach out to Scott at s.k.hayes@icloud.com if you are able to help.
Thank You!!!
Thank you to the many families helping with post-race snacks.
Looking Further Ahead
Mon.-Fri. (10/13) - Wed. (10/15): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Thurs. (10/16): SEC HS Championship at Hudson Mills
Fri. (10/17): Practice just for REGIONAL athletes, time tbd
Links You Should Already Have:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
This Week's Schedule
Mon. (9/29) - Fri. (10/3): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Wed. (10/1): East Lansing Invite (Bus leaves at 1:40pm)
Sat. (10/4): Portage Invite (Top 10 only)
Notes and Reminders for This Week
We learned recently that weekday busing will be limited this fall. This was news to us, and we too are frustrated. It looks like we will frequently need assistance in transporting athletes this fall. While attendance at meets is mandatory, if a bus is not provided and a kid cannot get self-transport, they will not be penalized.
If your son is not riding the bus, he must be at the team race site at least 1 hour before his scheduled race. Athletes that arrive late will not compete.
The Metroparks are incredibly crowded and access is notoriously slow. If arranging your son's transportation, allow for for plenty of extra time to enter, park, and find the team tent.
There is a fee to enter the Metroparks.
If your son is not riding the bus home, we still would like for him to stay for the post-race team chat and to help with loading equipment onto the bus.
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Scott Hayes can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photo's you take. Please reach out to Scott at s.k.hayes@icloud.com if you are able to help.
Thank You!!!
Thank you to the many families helping with post-race snacks.
Looking Further Ahead
Mon. (10/6) - Thurs. (10/9): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Fri. (10/10): 20th River Rat Open at Willow Metropark
Links You Should Already Have:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
This Week's Schedule
Mon. (9/22) - Wed. (9/24): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Wed. (9/24): Pasta Dinner #2 6-7:30pm
Thurs. (9/25): SEC Jamboree #2 @ Indian Creek
Busing may be limited; current bus/meet schedule
Fri. (9/26): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Notes and Reminders for This Week
The Punt, Pass & Kick Challenge on Sunday, September 28, part of this year’s RunTough Family Fun Day event, is open to all ages and promises a great time for everyone.
Special Offer for members of Saline XC: Save $10 per entry with code 25PPKSALE
Register now at: www.chadtough.org/run
We learned recently that weekday busing will be limited this fall. This was news to us, and we too are frustrated. It looks like we will frequently need assistance in transporting athletes this fall. While attendance at meets is mandatory, if a bus is not provided and a kid cannot get self-transport, they will not be penalized.
If your son is not riding the bus, he must be at the team race site at least 1 hour before his scheduled race. Athletes that arrive late will not compete.
The Metroparks are incredibly crowded and access is notoriously slow. If arranging your son's transportation, allow for for plenty of extra time to enter, park, and find the team tent.
There is a fee to enter the Metroparks.
If your son is not riding the bus home, we still would like for him to stay for the post-race team chat and to help with loading equipment onto the bus.
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Scott Hayes can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photo's you take. Please reach out to Scott at s.k.hayes@icloud.com if you are able to help.
Thank You!!!
Thank you to the many families helping with post-race snacks.
Looking Further Ahead
Mon. (9/29) - Fri. (10/3): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Wed. (10/1): East Lansing Invite
Sat. (10/4): Portage Invite (Top 10 only)
Links You Should Already Have:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
This Week's Schedule
Mon. (9/15): Practice at 3:05pm in Team Rooms
Tue. (9/16): Practice at 3:05pm in Team Rooms
Wed. (9/17): Practice at 3:05pm in Team Rooms
Thu. (9/18): Practice at 3:05pm in Team Rooms
Fri. (9/19): Jackson JV Invite (athletes outside of the top 10)
Busing may be limited; current bus/meet schedule
We know the marching band homecoming performance is this night; a plan will be created and shared with athletes to make XC and marching work.
Sat. (9/20): Jackson Varsity Invite (top 10 athletes)
Busing will be provided; current bus/meet schedule
Notes and Reminders for This Week
We learned recently that weekday busing will be limited this fall. This was news to us, and we too are frustrated. It looks like we will frequently need assistance in transporting athletes this fall. While attendance at meets is mandatory, if a bus is not provided and a kid cannot get self-transport, they will not be penalized.
If your son is not riding the bus, he must be at the team race site at least 1 hour before his scheduled race. Athletes that arrive late will not compete.
The Metroparks are incredibly crowded and access is notoriously slow. If arranging your son's transportation, allow for for plenty of extra time to enter, park, and find the team tent.
There is a fee to enter the Metroparks.
If your son is not riding the bus home, we still would like for him to stay for the post-race team chat and to help with loading equipment onto the bus.
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Scott Hayes can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photo's you take. Please reach out to Scott at s.k.hayes@icloud.com if you are able to help.
Thank You!!!
Thank you to the families that made transportation to the MSU Spartan Invite possible. That was a big commitment from those families, and all of us appreciate your help in making it happen.
Thank you to the many families helping with post-race snacks.
Thank you to the Walper family for hosting the boys at the first pasta dinner. And thank you to all of the families for contributing to the meal.
Looking Further Ahead
Mon. (9/22) - Wed. (9/24): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Wed. (9/24): Pasta Dinner #2 (more info soon)
Thurs. (9/25): SEC Jamboree #2
Busing may be limited; current bus/meet schedule
Fri. (9/26): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Links You Should Already Have:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
This Week's Schedule
Mon. (9/8):
Practice at 3:05pm in Team Rooms
Pasta Dinner: What to bring, location, time, etc...
Tue. (9/9): SEC Jambo #1 at Willow Metropark:
Meet Info on Anet
Early Dismissal at 2:10; Bus Leaves at 2:30
Busing is limited; Who is on the bus?
Wed. (9/10): Practice at 3:05pm in Team Rooms
Thu. (9/11): Practice at 3:05pm in Team Rooms
Fri. (9/12):
B Group: Practice at 3:05pm in Team Rooms
C Group: Spartan Invite at MSU: Transportation is still being worked out
Sat. (9/13): Huron Invite for B Group
Notes and Reminders for This Week
We learned last week that weekday busing will be limited this fall. This was news to us, and we too are frustrated. It looks like we will frequently need assistance in transporting athletes this fall. While attendance at meets is mandatory, if a bus is not provided and a kid cannot get self-transport, they will not be penalized.
If your son is not riding the bus, he must be at the team race site at least 1 hour before his scheduled race. Athletes that arrive late will not compete.
The Metroparks are incredibly crowded and access is notoriously slow. If arranging your son's transportation, allow for for plenty of extra time to enter, park, and find the team tent.
There is a fee to enter the Metroparks.
If your son is not riding the bus home, we still would like for him to stay for the post-race team chat and to help with loading equipment onto the bus.
Pictures from meets and other team events will be posted here. Assistance is needed to make sure we have pictures of all athletes and it's really easy to do, even if you have a flip phone! Scott Hayes can provide easy to follow instructions for uploading photo's you take. Please reach out to Scott at s.k.hayes@icloud.com if you are able to help.
Thank You!!!
Thank you to the families that made transportation to Bath possible. That was a big commitment from those families, and all of us appreciate your help in making it happen.
Thank you to the many families helping with post-race snacks.
Thank you to the Walper family for hosting the boys at this week's pasta dinner. And thank you to all of the families for contributing to the meal.
Looking Further Ahead
Mon. (9/15) - Thu. (9/18): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Fri. (9/19): Jackson JV Invite (athletes outside of the top 10)
Busing may be limited; current bus/meet schedule
We know the marching band homecoming performance is this night; a plan will be created and shared with athletes to make XC and marching work.
Sat. (9/20): Jackson Varsity Invite (top 10 athletes)
Busing will be provided; current bus/meet schedule
Links You Should Already Have:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
This Week's Schedule
Mon. (9/1): No Practice
Tue. (9/2): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Wed. (9/3): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Thu. (9/4): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Fri. (9/5): Practice at 3:05pm in team rooms
Bath athletes (top 10) depart for East Lansing
Sat. (9/6): Bath Invite for top 10, Rambling Rock for all others
Notes and Reminders for This Week
Bus Schedule for Saturday: The bus for Rambling Rock will depart at 8:45 am from the west/athletic entrance of the high school. Athletes riding the bus should plan to arrive at 8:30 and report to the team rooms to assist in carrying any gear up to the bus.
If your son is not riding the bus, he must be at the team race site at least 1 hour before his scheduled race. Athletes that arrive late will not compete.
The Metroparks are incredibly crowded and access is notoriosly slow. If you are arranging your son's transportation, allow for for plenty of extra time to enter, park, and find the team tent.
There is a fee to enter the Metroparks.
If your son is not riding the bus home, we still would like for him to stay for the post-race team chat and to help with loading equipment onto the bus.
Looking Further Ahead
Mon. (9/8): Pasta Dinner (What to bring, location, time, etc...)
Tue. (9/9): Jamboree #1: Athletes will be dismissed from class at 2:10 to catch the 2:30 bus. See the bus/meet schedule doc for race location and times.
Fri. (9/12): Spartan Invite for top 12 athletes. Athletes in this race will be dismissed at 10:10 am for their 1:10 pm race in East Lansing.
Sat. (9/13): Huron Invite for athletes not racing at Spartan.
Links You Should Already Have:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
For specific information and statistics on competitions: Athletic.net
This Week's Schedule
August 25: practice 3:00 p.m. from the XC Room. Practice will be short and sweet on Monday, and boys will be able to get their XC locker.
August 26: practice 3:00 p.m. from the XC Room
August 27: practice 3:00 p.m. from the XC Room
There will be no mandatory XC events from 8/28 through 9/1 so that families can maximize the Labor Day holiday.
Notes for This Week
The boys have completed their races on our home course with the Campus Invite on Friday. These meets could not have happened without the help of our amazing parent volunteers. A huge THANK YOU from all the coaches for giving the boys such a great experience with your help.
Here is the link to the write up on Friday's race.
Here is the link to the 2025 SHS XC Photo Page where you can find photos of your athletes from multiple parents at our races all season long!
Looking Further Ahead
September 1: NO PRACTICE LABOR DAY WEEKEND
September 2: practice 3:00 p.m. from the XC Room
September 3: practice 3:00 p.m. from the XC Room
September 4: practice 3:00 p.m. from the XC Room
September 5: practice 3:00 p.m. from the XC Room
September 6: TWO different races this day.
Bret Clements Bath Invitational (Top 10 athletes)
Rambling Rock Invitational at Willow Metropark
Events, Practice, and Competition Schedules:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
For specific information and statistics on competitions: Athletic.net
This Week's Schedule
August 18: practice 8:00 a.m.
August 19: practice 8:00 a.m.
August 20: practice 3:00 p.m.
August 21: practice 3:00 p.m. TEAM PICTURES DAY. Order form and official time to be communicated early this week.
August 22: Saline Campus Invite; athletes report to HS track barn at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers needed.
Notes for This Week
We need a few volunteers for Friday's race at Saline. If you can help, a sign up here to volunteer.
We officially kicked off our season Friday with the Saline XC Time Trials! Here is an article and photos from The Saline Post , and here is the link to the 2025 SHS XC Photo Page where you can find photos of your athletes from multiple parents at our races all season long!
Missed the clothing order deadline? You still have options. Check out this online store that is open all year.
If you were waiting to purchase 5" shorts, those are now back in stock. Please see the Registration Page for information on purchasing shorts.
During the month of August, Ann Arbor Running Company is offering 20% off purchases. Just let your salesperson know your son runs for Saline. Family members can also use the discount.
Looking Further Ahead
August 25: practice 3:00 p.m. from the XC Room
August 26: practice 3:00 p.m. from the XC Room
August 27: practice 3:00 p.m. from the XC Room
There will be no mandatory XC events from 8/28 through 9/1 so that families can maximize the Labor Day holiday.
Events, Practice, and Competition Schedules:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
For specific information and statistics on competitions: Athletic.net
Useful Info for Parents NEW to Saline HS XC
Check out this Handbook for New XC Parents.
It is possible to do cross country and marching band. Our seniors that have experience balancing both will help our new athletes.
If your son is a freshman or sophomore trying to decide between XC and soccer, he may be able to do both. Review the last page of the team rules for details.
Contacting Coaches: You can usually find answers to most questions from your son, in the weekly update, or posted on the team website. If you are unable to find an answer to your question in the resources listed above, feel free to contact a coach.
General Questions - Zach Ornelas <mroruns@gmail.org>
C-Group Absences - Carl Spina <spinac@salineschools.org>
B-Group Absences - Spencer Leslie <spendy.leslie@gmail.com>
Missed the clothing order deadline? You still have options. Check out this online store that is open all year.
The first update of every season is quite long. As the season progresses, the updates will become much shorter. As always, the most essential information is at the very top.
This Week's Schedule
Monday: mandatory practice, 8:00 a.m. at HS Track Barn
Tuesday: mandatory practice, 8:00 a.m. at HS Track Barn
Wednesday: mandatory practice, 8:00 a.m. at HS Track Barn
clothing sale ends
optional parent meeting, 7:00 p.m. via GoogleMeet link, see weekly email for link (agenda)
Thursday: mandatory practice, 8:00 a.m. at HS Track Barn
Friday: Time Trial; boys report at 6:00 p.m. to HS Track, race at 7:00 p.m. (course map and more details)
Saturday: Optional Donut Death Dash (donuts, good company, and optional exercise on Saturday morning)
Notes for This Week
Please take care of registration ASAP. Our Registration Page has just about everything you need (BigTeams, fan gear, schedules, racing shorts, etc....) in one place. BigTeams registration must be complete before your son can practice.
If the pay-to-participate fee is an issue for your family, there are scholarships available. If your son applies for and is denied financial assistance through the athletic department, please contact a coach for other options.
If you were waiting to purchase 5" shorts, those are now back in stock. Please see the Registration Page for information on purchasing shorts.
During the month of August, Ann Arbor Running Company is offering 20% off purchases. Just let your salesperson know your son runs for Saline. Family members can also use the discount.
Looking Further Ahead
August 18: practice 8:00 a.m.
August 19: practice 8:00 a.m.
August 20: practice 3:00 p.m.
August 21: practice 3:00 p.m.
August 22: Saline Campus Invite; athletes report to HS track barn at 8:30 a.m.
There will be no mandatory XC events from 8/28 through 9/1 so that families can maximize the Labor Day holiday.
Events, Practice, and Competition Schedules:
If you rely on Google Calendar: Saline Boys XC Google Calendar
If you prefer a Google Doc version: Practice and Events document
For specific information and statistics on competitions: Athletic.net
Useful Info for Parents NEW to Saline HS XC
Check out this Handbook for New XC Parents.
It is possible to do cross country and marching band. Our seniors that have experience balancing both will help our new athletes.
If your son is a freshman or sophomore trying to decide between XC and soccer, he may be able to do both. Review the last page of the team rules for details.
Contacting Coaches: You can usually find answers to most questions from your son, in the weekly update, or posted on the team website. If you are unable to find an answer to your question in the resources listed above, feel free to contact a coach.
General Questions - Zach Ornelas <mroruns@gmail.org>
C-Group Absences - Carl Spina <spinac@salineschools.org>
B-Group Absences - Spencer Leslie <spendy.leslie@gmail.com>
NOT ESSENTIAL, BUT WORTH KNOWING:
I am excited that tomorrow, August 11 is the official start of the 2025 cross country season. Your son will have a fantastic experience, and I am glad to share it with him. The sport and the team are second-to-none.
This will be my thirty-first season with cross country: six as an athlete, three as a volunteer, and 22 as the head coach. In just a few words, I love it.
If you are new to Saline Cross Country, you might not know the legacy of the program. It stretches back to the fall of 1970, when the team was started by Coach Jim Wicker. Fifty-five years later, Saline's program is one of the most successful cross country programs in Michigan. And that's not just me saying it; whether you're measuring across years, decades, or centuries, Saline's boys and girls cross country teams are always listed among the very best.
Pre-covid, the team regularly included 80+ boys and 110+ girls. At our peak, it took five buses to transport the entire program to races. We were quite a spectacle. I am glad to see participation increasing again, and look forward to being an impossible task for our transportation department.
I believe the following things might explain the success and the size of the program:
We have high expectations for kids, and we step them towards meeting them.
High expectations sometimes result in disappointment, which hurts. However, reflection after a failure is usually the most honest reflection. Therefore, we don't protect them from disappointment. We prepare them to grow from it.
We have a long-term view of athletic development.
We prioritize speed far more than other cross country coaches.
We value winning.
We teach older athletes to use their position to help others.
We expect all athletes to have athletic, leadership, and social aspirations.
We expect the team to be a welcoming place for all athletes.
The start of the 2025 season has my heart racing, and with the help of our outstanding assistant coaches, I know your son is going to have an outstanding experience.