By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
When Otsego High School cross country coach Steve Long began the elementary cross country program in the district two years ago, he did so with a certain goal in mind.
“I think initially starting this program was about building my numbers up at the middle school and high school level by exposing the kids to this great sport,” Long said.
Now, however, Long’s mission with the program has changed.
“When I see the coaches and parents and especially the kids with huge smiles on their faces, that’s the new mission,” Long said. “Everyone is cheering for everyone else. The kids are proud of themselves. The kids are learning that they can do things they didn’t know they can do.
“I’m super proud of what this program has become in such a short time.”
This year’s program had a total of 161 children registered from Otsego’s three elementary schools: Alamo, Dix Street and Washington Street. That’s up from 130 last year and 93 during the program’s inaugural year in 2022.
The first of two scheduled races this year took place on Monday, Sept. 9, with the one-mile City Championship.
And when the final results were tallied, it was Washington Street that emerged with the victory with 34 points. Alamo was close behind with 38 points, with Dix Street placing third with 52 points.
The second elementary race will take place as part of the annual Bulldog Invitational on Saturday, Sept. 28. That race will be two miles.
“I’m super happy with how we continue to grow this program,” Long said. “I think what that says is that kids are having fun. Some kids are out there trying to win or get a medal, and other kids are out there to have fun and be with their friends. Either way, it’s amazing that they’re willing to spend some time running and getting healthy.”
Long praised the efforts of the coaches at the elementary schools: Erin Jager at Alamo, Darcy Bentley at Dix Street and Lori Bronkema at Washington Street.
“And those are just the head coaches,” Long said. “They each have some pretty key assistant coaches that also make a big difference. And the support from the principals and teachers has been amazing. This is truly a community event.”
Long has heard good feedback from parents of the students involved in the program.
“Overall, the parents are loving it, I think,” Long said. “I mean, these kids are eight, nine, 10, 11 years old, so they need their parents to pick them up from practices and meets. And the great thing is, it doesn’t matter where your kid finishes. Isn’t it awesome that they worked hard and did their best at something?”
Members of the high school and middle school teams joined the elementary runners prior to the race for a big group picture of the Otsego cross country family.
“I’m just looking to shine a light on a sport that I love and get kids enjoying being healthy,” Long said. “Distance running is something that people can do throughout their lives. You can do it by yourself, or you can find yourself a team or group.
“Most sports use running as their punishment, which seems crazy to me. Don’t we want kids to want to run? Hopefully, our EXC kids are having a blast. Mission accomplished if that’s happening, and I think it is.”
