Expanded Yale elementary cross-country club finds its stride

By Denise Lotan
Special to The Expositor

YALE — An expanded Yale Elementary Schools Cross Country Club has plenty to celebrate this fall, with both its girls and boys teams earning first-place finishes during a season that brought athletes from three schools together.

The club welcomed third- through fifth-grade students from Avoca and Farrell elementary schools to join Yale Elementary’s roster. Practices began in September, with athletes training at their respective schools.

Coaches include Tara Leonard at Yale, Jenna Herzog and Katie Watson at Avoca, and Jason Leonard at Farrell.

The athletes opened their season Sept. 12 at the Old Skool Classic at Wolcott Mill. For many, it was their first experience competing in a cross-country meet.

The club followed that introduction with a strong showing Sept. 21 at Croswell-Lexington High School. On a course that included a challenging hill, the girls placed second and the boys finished third.

The girls earned first place in their age group at the Hansons Invitational in Sterling Heights on Sept. 26. The boys also put forth a strong team effort at the meet, which drew elementary athletes from schools across St. Clair, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

At the Peck Elementary Meet on Sept. 28, the boys claimed first place, while the girls finished second.

The club faced another large field of competitors at the Dakota Cougars XC Carnival at Dakota High School on Oct. 1. The girls again took first place, while the boys competed against athletes from throughout the four-county area.

The teams added to their accomplishments Oct. 6 at the Brown City Elementary Meet, where the girls finished first and the boys placed second.

Throughout the season, family and friends lined the courses to encourage the runners, with many also helping at practices. Athletes’ siblings added to the support by playing musical instruments and cheering along the race routes.

The club concluded its fall season at the Thumb Area Cross Country Championship on Oct. 24 at Caro Golf Club.

Families with Yale Public Schools students entering third through fifth grade who are interested in running next fall may contact a cross-country coach at Yale, Avoca or Farrell elementary schools. Parent volunteers will also be needed.