Meridian Creek Middle School

MERIDIAN CREEK CROSS COUNTRY 2024 FAQ

What is cross country, and who should join?
Cross country is a sport that involves regular exercise to try to improve your speed and endurance in races.  6th and 7th grade runners compete on a 2k course (1.25 miles).  8th grade runners compete on a 3k course (1.miles).  You do not have to be able to run the whole distance at the start of the season, but it is a great goal for the end of the season.  Some runners will also be pushing themselves to run certain times, and that is great, too!  If you have another fall sport or activity you play, it is possible to talk to the coaches and arrange for you to attend practice some days per week as long as you are willing to commit to four exercise sessions per week total.

How do I sign-up?
Athletic clearance packets will be sent out at the beginning of August in your student's registration packet from MCMS. A sports physical with a form completed by a doctor is required to compete in Cross Country. The physical is valid for two calendar years.  A completed medical information card, annual $75 sports/activities fee (also covers Track in the spring!), emergency contact card, and athlete code of conduct contract are also required. You may pick up and return the medical card, physical form, emergency contact card, athlete code of conduct, and sports fees to the MCMS main office.  All forms are posted on our athletics site as well and can be printed for your convenience. MCMS XC coaches will visit 6th-8th grade classes to share out about the MCMS XC program the first week of school in the fall. Sign up forms will be available during this time as well as in the MCMS main office.

How do I pay the athletic fee for XC?

Athletes are required to pay an athletic fee for the cross country season to cover expenses, costs, and insurance. The $75 fee can cover both XC and track and field. Fees can be paid online through SchoolPay. Learn more about SchoolPay including how to register and create an account here! When accessing SchoolPay, search "MCMS 24-25 Activities & Athletics Fee" to pay. Fees can also be paid in person at the main office through check or cash.

What if I cannot afford the athletic fee required for my student athlete to participate in XC or TF?

MCMS provides scholarships for student athletes as we believe extracurricular activities should be accessible for all. If you need a scholarship, please visit the MCMS main office to fill out the scholarship form.

When and where do we practice?

PRACTICE BEGINS TUESDAY, SEPT. 3RD, 2024. Practices are 3:45 PM - 5:00 PM Monday-Thursday except meet days, and also no practice Sept 25th (early release), and Oct 9th-10th (conferences). On the first day of practice, we will gather in the big gym.  You should already be changed and have your water bottle filled.

What should I bring to practice?

Athletic shirt, shorts or leggings, running shoes (with socks!), and a water bottle.  Please leave all electronics (other than a running watch or fitbit type watch if you want) at home or in a locked location. 

What if I am walking home after practice or a meet, or I need to get a ride home with someone other than my guardian?

An activity bus to bring students home after practices is available at 5:15 PM every day after practice. A bus will take students to meets and be available to return students to Meridian Creek after meets IF the meet is not in Wilsonville.  ALL PARENTS MUST SIGN THEIR STUDENTS OUT OF MEETS.  Any student leaving the meet with someone other than their guardian must bring a signed and dated note from their guardian or they will not be allowed to leave the meet with that other person.  Text messages and phone calls 86 will not work.

How can I track my athlete’s times during the season?

All athlete results will still be posted to www.athletic.net, search “Meridian Creek Cross Country”. You will be able to locate the schedule along with meet times over the course of the season.

Need a physical? Here is a list of local offices that conduct sports physicals for your student-athletes.