What is Cross Country?

Cross Country is a running sport made up of girls and boys team. Runs are done as a team competition against other schools and at large invitational meets. The boys race their race against other boy teams. The girls race against other girl teams. These races are separate. The teams start together and run through beautiful and sometimes challenging terrains. Meets are held in parks such as Santa Rosa’s Spring Lake area to local regional parks such as Putnam. The object is to run as fast as you can over the 2- 3 mile courses . Team scores are calculated by individual performances and their finish place. The first five runners score for the team and there finish place is totaled. The team with higher finishers will have a lower score and that lower score is the winner of the meet. You want to have as many top finishers as you can. The sixth runners become the tie-breakers if the two teams have tied through the first five runners. Sound confusing? It really is not. The real joy is the friendships and fun that cross country provides. All kids are included. There are no tryouts. Everyone participates at a meet. There is no sitting on the sidelines. Cross Country is the fastest growing high school sport in America.

Petaluma Philosophy

Petaluma High School has a high priority in having a competitive program. The goal of the program is to take the girls team and boy’s team to the highest levels of competitiveness in Sonoma County as well as the North Coast Section and State. This will require patience and commitment from coaches and athletes. However the greater priority is to create an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment in running and team building. The greater tools of self esteem, self confidence and life skills learned through competition, commitment, team work and friendships are paramount!!!! Success is obtained when kids and coaches work hard but have fun and support one another. The team is open to all who want to compete and achieve greatness to those who want friendship and being part of a winning attitude and togetherness. You do not have to be great to join. We will make you everything you can be as a runner!!!!!! Anyone can improve and be good with a willingness to try and work hard!!!

For more information contact Coach Lynch – 763-8738 or e-mail cjlynch4@comcast.net