Pre-Participation Physical Evaluation Form and Student-Athlete Agreement required! Head Coach: Jonathan Slinger Email: jonathan.slinger@basisindependent.com Description: The Middle School Boys & Girls Cross Country program is a competitive program that competes against local middle schools while introducing student-athletes to the fundamentals of long-distance running in a fun, supportive, and challenging environment. The program focuses on building endurance, mental toughness, goal setting, and healthy training habits, while helping students develop a lifelong appreciation for fitness and running. Cross country is also excellent cross-training for many other sports, helping athletes improve cardiovascular endurance, stamina, pacing, and overall athletic performance. The program is designed to help prepare interested student-athletes for the demands of high school cross country and other endurance-based sports. Practice and meet schedules are subject to change based on coach availability, opponent schedules, or weather. No tryout is required—any interested student may join. Practices are held at O’Connor Park, a 5-minute jog from campus. Students are expected to meet on the lawn by 4:00 PM and will warm up with a jog to the park alongside Coach Slinger. Following practice, students will cool down with a jog back to campus, so please plan to pick up your Bobcat on campus after practices.