The Fairmont Jr. Cardinals cross-country program, in partnership with Fairmont Community Education and Recreation, is entering its second year of promoting and introducing the sport to fourth- through sixth-graders. The program has seen an increase in interest this year, with 26 young runners participating. The program was founded by Crystal and Neil Hanson, who wanted to provide an opportunity for younger kids to engage in the sport that they have a passion for. Neil Hanson, who still holds the one- and two-mile records at Fairmont High School, wanted to share his love for cross-country with the next generation.
The partnership with Fairmont CER has been essential to the success of the program, as they handle registration and promotion. The idea for the program was inspired by friends of the Hansons who run a similar program in the Twin Cities. By learning from their friends’ experiences, the Hansons were able to structure the program effectively without having to start from scratch.
One of the main goals of the program is to make cross-country more accessible to younger students. Typically, cross-country is not offered until seventh grade, which can deter students from participating in the sport. By introducing the sport at a younger age and incorporating games into the runs, the program aims to make running fun and engaging for the kids. Crystal Hanson emphasizes that the focus is not on being the best runner, but on each child striving to be the best version of themselves and overcoming mental barriers.
The Hansons hope that the Jr. Cardinals program will act as a pipeline to the high school cross-country team, encouraging more students to consider joining the sport as they get older. Even if the kids do not continue with cross-country, the program aims to instill valuable lessons about perseverance, self-improvement, and living an active lifestyle. By challenging themselves through distance running, the young athletes can gain important life skills that will benefit them in all areas of their lives.
The program’s first race is scheduled to be held at the Fairmont High School practice field, providing the young runners with an opportunity to showcase their skills before the high school cross-country meet. The Hansons are excited to see the growth of the program and the impact it has on the participants, both in their athletic abilities and in their personal development. Through the Jr. Cardinals cross-country program, they hope to inspire a new generation of runners and instill a love for the sport that will last a lifetime.
