Skip to main content

Cross Country

McCormick Junior High School Cross Country Handbook

2026 Season | Home of the Warriors

Welcome from the Head Coach

Welcome to McCormick Junior High Cross Country!

My name is Adam Cordell, and I am excited to begin my first season as the Head Cross Country Coach. I have been a Physical Education teacher for the past 12 years, and helping young people develop confidence, healthy habits, and strong character has always been a passion of mine.

Running is also a major part of my life. I am an active distance runner who has competed in events ranging from 5Ks to ultramarathons. I look forward to sharing my knowledge, enthusiasm, and love for running while helping our student-athletes improve, achieve their goals, and enjoy the experience of being part of a team.

We are excited for a great season and look forward to helping every athlete grow both on and off the course.

Adam Cordell, Head Cross Country Coach

Additional coaching staff and volunteers will be announced as needed.

GO WARRIORS!

 

General Expectations

  • Be a positive representative of McCormick Junior High at school, practices, meets, and in the community.
  • Demonstrate respect toward teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, volunteers, and spectators.
  • Maintain a positive attitude and strong work ethic.
  • Encourage and support fellow teammates.
  • Give your best effort during practices and competitions.
  • Take pride in being part of the McCormick Cross Country program.
  • Understand that improvement comes through consistency, patience, and commitment.

Practice Information

  • First Practice: Monday, August 17, 2026.
  • August 17-21 Practice Schedule: 3:00 PM-4:30 PM.
  • Regular Season Practice Schedule: Beginning with the start of the school year, practices will be held immediately after school from 2:45 PM-4:15 PM.
  • Athletes should report to the designated practice meeting area immediately after school.
  • Athletes should arrive dressed appropriately for the weather and bring running shoes, athletic clothing, and a water bottle.
  • Practice is essential for both individual and team success.
  • Athletes are expected to participate fully unless excused by a parent/guardian, physician, or school administration.
  • Any injuries, illnesses, or concerns should be communicated to the coaching staff immediately.

Pick-Up Location

  • Athletes should be picked up at the front entrance of McCormick Junior High School following practice.
  • If practice ends at an alternate location, families will be notified through ParentSquare.

2026 Cross Country Meet Schedule

  • August 29: John Martin Invitational at Fort Collins - 8:00 AM
  • September 3: Clear Creek Park - Host School: Johnson - 3:45 PM
  • September 12: Jacoby Ridge Trail Race at Pre-Hill Rec Area - Host School: Laramie - 9:00 AM
  • September 17: Host School: Carey - 3:45 PM
  • September 19: Schools Foundation 5K
  • September 24: Conference Meet - Host School: McCormick - 3:45 PM
  • October 9: Leroy Sprague Invite - Host School: East HS @ Prairie View - 1:00 PM

Meet Day Expectations

Schedule

  • A complete meet schedule will be provided at the beginning of the season.
  • Any schedule updates, changes, or reminders will be communicated through ParentSquare.

Absences

  • Athletes must notify a coach as soon as possible if they will be absent from a meet.

Meet Format & Team Setup

  •  Each meet will include four races:
  • Boys Varsity
  • Girls Varsity
  • Boys Junior Varsity
  • Girls Junior Varsity
  •  The Boys Varsity and Girls Varsity teams will each consist of 10 athletes.
  • All remaining athletes will compete in the Junior Varsity races.
  • Varsity races are open to the top athletes selected through team trials.
  • Trials will be held prior to the first meet to determine the Varsity teams.
  • The coaching staff will determine team placements based on performance, effort, and competitiveness at practice and trials.

Food & Hydration

  • Athletes should bring a water bottle to every meet.
  • Athletes are encouraged to bring a healthy snack for before or after competition.
  • Good options include fruit, granola bars, trail mix, sandwiches, crackers, or other easy-to-digest foods.
  • Staying hydrated before, during, and after competition is strongly encouraged.

Team Expectations

  • Cross country is both an individual and team sport. Athletes are expected to support and encourage teammates throughout the entire meet and represent McCormick Junior High with good sportsmanship.

Attendance

  • Attendance is important to the success of both the individual athlete and the team.
  • If an athlete must miss practice or a meet, a parent or guardian should notify the coaching staff as soon as possible.
  • Athletes should be in school to participate in practice or meets unless excused through school administration.
  • Excessive absences may impact meet participation at the coach's discretion.

Eligibility

  • Student first, athlete second.
  • Athletes must maintain academic eligibility according to district and school policies.
  • Athletes are expected to attend classes regularly, complete assignments, and demonstrate positive behavior in school.
  • Academic success is a priority of our program.

Transportation

  • Athletes will ride school transportation to away meets unless otherwise approved through school procedures.
  • Parents wishing to transport their athlete home following a meet must follow school district transportation policies.
  • Additional information will be provided throughout the season.

Communication

ParentSquare will be the primary form of communication throughout the cross country season.

Parents and athletes should regularly check ParentSquare for:

  • Practice updates
  • Meet schedules and transportation information
  • Weather-related changes
  • Team announcements
  • Reminders and important deadlines

Please ensure that your ParentSquare account information is current and notifications are enabled so important information is not missed.

GO WARRIORS!