The 2026 Middle School Patriots Track program will consist of a small group of competitive runners selected mostly from the 2025 cross country team. The purpose of this team is twofold: to continue building the runners as athletes and to continue building the Patriots running teams. This team is designed as an extension of the XC team’s season and to strengthen the future team.
Cross Country 2025 has come to an end. What’s next for you? For some of you, running is your primary sport and you’ve reached a competitive level. You want to continue running through the spring. If that describes you, you may want to consider joining the Patriots Track team.
What is track? Track includes a variety of races varying in distance from 100m to 1600m. Unlike XC, the number of participants in each race is limited. Our team does not participate in field events or hurdles. When is track season? Track season takes place mid-February through early May. Mandatory at home winter conditioning will begin in early January. Practices will be held Monday and Thursday late afternoons (depending on daylight) at a local track - possibly Hixson High or Tyner High What is a track meet like? Fun, but long. Track meets are typically 4-6 (or more) hours long and operate on a rolling start meaning you will not know the exact time of your event. Parents must be available to volunteer at one or more meets. The meets will take place on weekday afternoons in Chattanooga with possibly 1-2 local Saturday meets. We do not plan to participate in any out of town meets this year. Who is eligible to participate? Cross country is an all-comers sport. Participants are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. For the most part we welcome anyone who is willing to put in the hard work with a good attitude. We are so thankful for the opportunity XC provides to instill a love of running in so many!
Track is designed for those who would like to take their running to the next level competitively. Participation is based primarily on skill rather than first come, first serve. Each event in a track meet typically allows for only 3-4 entries per team. We will prioritize entering competitive runners into the events. For this reason, please understand that you may not get to participate in every track meet.
If you are interested in being considered for the track team you must fill out the form below by December 31. Once all Interest Forms have been submitted we will make decisions and send invitations to those who make the team. These decisions will be based primarily on skill and maturity - not on a first come first serve basis.
What if I fill out the Interest Form now then later decide I don't want to do track? No problem! We just ask that you keep us updated on your decision.
What if I haven't run XC before? You may still fill out the form. However, we consider XC to be a feeder for the track team and those runners will be prioritized. We will require some kind of proof of skill level before offering a new runner a spot on the team.
Here is a summary of your next steps.
1. Fill out this form by December 31. 2. Wait until January 10 by which date the track team invites will be sent. 3. Rest well, focus on nutrition and cross train with a couple of easy runs a week. Stay active! 4. Start home conditioning the first week of January. See plans that will be posted on the CSTHEA website. 5. Practice will begin in early-mid February.
Access form here: Cross Country 2025 has come to an end. What’s next for you? For some of you, running is your primary sport and you’ve reached a competitive level. You want to continue running through the spring. If that describes you, you may want to consider joining the Patriots Track team.
What is track? Track includes a variety of races varying in distance from 100m to 1600m. Unlike XC, the number of participants in each race is limited. Our team does not participate in field events or hurdles.
When is track season? Track season takes place mid-February through early May. Mandatory at home winter conditioning will begin in early January. Practices will be held Monday and Thursday late afternoons (depending on daylight) at a local track - possibly Hixson High or Tyner High What is a track meet like? Fun, but long. Track meets are typically 4-6 (or more) hours long and operate on a rolling start meaning you will not know the exact time of your event. Parents must be available to volunteer at one or more meets. The meets will take place on weekday afternoons in Chattanooga with possibly 1-2 local Saturday meets. We do not plan to participate in any out of town meets this year.
Who is eligible to participate? Cross country is an all-comers sport. Participants are accepted on a first come, first serve basis. For the most part we welcome anyone who is willing to put in the hard work with a good attitude. We are so thankful for the opportunity XC provides to instill a love of running in so many!
Track is designed for those who would like to take their running to the next level competitively. Participation is based primarily on skill rather than first come, first serve. Each event in a track meet typically allows for only 3-4 entries per team. We will prioritize entering competitive runners into the events. For this reason, please understand that you may not get to participate in every track meet.
If you are interested in being considered for the track team you must fill out this form by December 31. Once all Interest Forms have been submitted we will make decisions and send invitations to those who make the team. These decisions will be based primarily on skill and maturity - not on a first come first serve basis.
What if I fill out the Interest Form now then later decide I don't want to do track? No problem! We just ask that you keep us updated on your decision.
What if I haven't run XC before? You may still fill out the form. However, we consider XC to be a feeder for the track team and those runners will be prioritized. We will require some kind of proof of skill level before offering a new runner a spot on the team.
Here is a summary of your next steps.
1. Fill out this form by December 31.
2. Wait until January 10 by which date the track team invites will be sent. 3. Rest well, focus on nutrition and cross train with a couple of easy runs a week. Stay active! 4. Start home conditioning the first week of January. See plans that will be posted on the CSTHEA website. 5. Practice will begin in early-mid February.