St. John Catholic School wraps up successful cross country season with lots of participation, 22nd city title in a row

St. John Catholic School on Kingston Road, east of Main Street, is a vibrant school with different activities happening all the time. These outside of the classroom “extras” enhance the educational experience of the students. From year to year there are different opportunities to take part in, and one of the constants that has been happening every year for more than 35 years is cross country running.

Cross country is a part of the culture of the school, and many students and staff participate. This year, more than 160 students from Grade 2 to 8 ran, four students helped and 12 staff coached.

At St. John, cross country a school-wide activity that invites anyone who wants to join the team to participate.

Recently, the students and coaches celebrated a successful cross country season with a luncheon. The celebration was for all of the students who raced in various competitions this year. 

The first race was the St. John Eagles Classic, which is a race for all of the runners who train who wish to compete, and 130 did this year. It was held on September 29 at Ted Reeve Athletic Fields.

The Classic had 88 students qualify for the TCSAA (Toronto Catholic Schools Athletic Association) South Region Division 1 race on Oct. 7 at Earlscourt Park. The Eagles were very successful, bringing home the championship and advancing 69 runners to the TCSAA South Regionals. 

At Regionals, St. John continued on top, winning the Regionals once again. The Regionals were held at Earlscourt Park on Oct. 17. At both the Divisional and Regional meets there were many great individual and age group team performances, and this led St. John to tie for advancing the most runners to the TCAA City Championships of any school.

The large contingent of 45 runners at the city meet and their quality performances led to St. John winning the TCSAA Cross Country Championship for the 22nd time in a row.

The Grade 3 and under girls and the Grade 6 boys were gold medal teams.

The Grade 8 boys won the team silver medal, and the Grade 5 girls, Grade 6 girls and Grade 7 boys brought back the bronze.

Individually Lyle R. and Arianne M. won silver medals, and Rose E. won a bronze. Top ten finishers at city championships were Lane C. (fifth), Spencer S. (sixth), Madyn K. (eighth), and Fiona W. (10th).

Cross country is part of the fabric of the St. John community.

The championships are great, but the participation, camaraderie and good times are what stands out. There were 160 students who ran all season, and more than 90 students consistently ran for two months from the first day to the last.