Cross country a standing tradition for TLDSB, students and staff
Sports Advocate
By Amanda Tayles
The annual cross-country meet happened on Oct. 5 for more than 20 schools in Haliburton and Kawartha Lakes within the Trillium Lakes District School Board (TLDSB). Each year, between 800-1,000 kids, from Grades 2-8, run the course at Ken Reid conservation area, supported by teachers, volunteers and parents, with an estimated 1,200 people in attendance. What makes it special, according to lead coordinator Lexie VanKooten, “is seeing it all come together. The kids who’ve been training, the experience, the endorphins and especially hearing the cheers.” VanKooten speaks from experience; she assumed the coordinator role 13 years ago from her mother, Kyna Rowbotham, proving that cross country is truly a generational sport.
The top 10 heat winners (primary Grades 2,3; juniors 4,5; intermediate 6,7 and seniors grade 8s) receive a ribbon and are celebrated amongst the schools. Interestingly, year over year the first-place finisher in every heat is typically within 10 seconds of the previous year. But the fact that so many students are able to come together and participate across the board is what leaves them with a lasting memory, as many parents in attendance could be heard sharing their own cross-country experiences with children and friends.
